11.10.20 Council Minutes

Published: March 24, 2021

THE STATE OF UTAH
COUNTY OF SEVIER
CITY OF RICHFIELD

At the City Council
In and For Said City
November 10, 2020

Minutes of the Richfield City Council meeting held on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Richfield City office building located at 75 East Center, Richfield, Utah. Mayor David C. Ogden presiding.

  1. OPENING REMARKS
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
  3. ROLL CALL
  4. CDBG FIRST PUBLIC HEARING
  5. DATES FOR THE 2021 JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION DECIDED
  6. FARMER’S MARKETS DISCUSSED
  7. RESOLUTION 2020-13 ADOPTED
  8. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
  9. MIXED USE FOR MOTEL 6 DISCUSSED
  10. PUBLIC HEARING – CAMPGROUNDS
  11. PUBLIC HEARING – SHORT TERM-RENTALS
  12. PUBLIC HEARING – REZONE RED HILLS TRAILER PARK
  13. PUBLIC HEARING – ANIMALS FOR COUNTY FAIR
  14. INCREASE TO SEASON PASSES AT THE GOLF COURSE APPROVED
  15. RECONSIDERATION OF A NO OCCUPANCY OIL AND GAS LEASE DENIED
  16. PROPERTY LEASES NEAR THE SEWER LAGOONS DISCUSSED
  17. WATER AND SEWER RATES DISCUSSED
  18. OTHER BUSINESS
  19. MEETING ADJOURNED
  1. OPENING REMARKS were given by Kip Hansen.
  2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Kathy Christensen
  3. ROLL CALL. Present: Mayor David Ogden, Bryan Burrows, Kathy Christensen, Todd Gleave, Kip Hansen, Connie Nielson, Michele Jolley, Tyson Hansen.
  4. CDBG FIRST PUBLIC HEARING. Mayor Ogden noted the following: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Richfield City will hold a public hearing on November 10, 2020, in the Council Room of the Richfield City Offices located at 75 East Center, Richfield, Utah at 7:00 p.m. Richfield City is eligible to apply to the Utah Department of Workforce Services for funding under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Small Cities Program, a federally funded program administered by the State of Utah, Housing and Community Development Division (HCD). Richfield City is eligible to apply for CDBG funding provided Richfield City meets the applicable program requirements.

The purpose of the public hearing is to provide citizens with pertinent information about the

Community Development Block Grant program and to allow for discussion of possible applications. This public hearing will cover eligible activities, program requirements, and expected funding allocations in the region. The CDBG Program can fund a broad range of activities, including, but not limited to construction of public works and facilities, e.g., water and sewer lines, fire stations, acquisition of real property, and provision of public services such as food banks or homeless shelters. If Richfield City chooses to apply for CDBG funding, a second public hearing will be held at a later time to discuss the project. Further information can be obtained by contacting Richfield City at (435) 896-6439. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this hearing should notify Michele Jolley at the Richfield City Offices at 75 East Center, Richfield, Utah at least three days before the hearing. Individuals with speech and/or hearing impairments may call Relay Utah by dialing 711. Spanish Relay Utah: 1.888.346.3162.

Mayor Ogden opened the hearing at 7:07 pm. Stephanie Anderson asked what the City was thinking about using the money for. Councilmember Christensen explained that there is a great need to remodel the Senior Citizens Center. It was built in the 1970s and needs to be updated.

Mrs. Anderson asked what the disadvantages of this would be. Councilmember Burrows indicated that if we could not get this funding, the funds would have to come out of the general fund. Councilmember Nielson did not believe there would be any disadvantages to applying for this funding.

Mrs. Anderson asked if there would be any reason that we would not want this grant. The Council did not think there would be any reason why we would not want this grant. Hearing no other comments, Mayor Ogden closed the hearing at 7:10 p.m.

  1. DATES FOR THE 2021 JULY FOURTH CELEBRATION DECIDED. Next year, the Fourth of July will be on a Sunday. In a letter from Kevin Arrington, Councilmember Nielson read the following suggested schedule: June 26 – Miss Richfield; July 3 – children’s parade, concert, and activities on the park; July 4 – Patriotic Program; July 5 – parade, park activities, pool activities, fireworks, etc.

The City is in the process of having a new web page designed. Mr. Arrington also proposed that the City create an Independence Day site with a link from the front page early in the year until the celebration. This would include a specific page for Miss Richfield that would include background information, the schedule for the week of events, and the gathering of constant information. There would also be a section where individuals could sign up for booths in the park and they could pay online.

Motion: Approve the schedule of events for the Fourth of July as presented by Kevin Arrington. Action: Approved. Moved by Kathy Christensen, Seconded by Kip Hansen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yea: Bryan Burrows, Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave.

  1. FARMER’S MARKETS DISCUSSED. Paula Warner was present to discuss the farmers’ markets at the City Park. She indicated the challenge the food trucks had was if they were not there early enough to ask people not to park on 100 East then the food trucks had a hard time parking along 100 East. Councilmember Burrows addressed the ordinance the City has that prohibits food trucks parking around the park. The Council allowed it this summer.

Councilmember Hansen asked if it was a good marriage to have the farmers’ market and the food trucks there at the same time. Ms. Warner stated that in some instances it did not benefit the farmers’ market because people showed up because they wanted food.

Ms. Warner felt that advertising separately from the food trucks brought people there for the farmers’ market.

Brett Butler stated that trash was a problem. Ms. Warner stated that it was hard to control because of the food trucks. Mr. Butler suggested that we look at the placement of the receptacles to see if that would make a difference.

Councilmember Hansen stated that he was concerned about someone being able to say who could participate. Councilmember Nielson agreed because she worries about it being open so that the businesses could participate. Ms. Warner did not feel that having 8 farmers selling the same thing would be beneficial to any of them.

The Council discussed the possibility that others would also want to have a farmers market in the park. The staff is working on a proposal for the Council that would suggest guidelines and policies for events held in the park which would include a farmers market.

Ms. Warner noted that putting this together is a lot of work so she would like to start organizing it in February.

  1. RESOLUTION 2020-13 ADOPTED. The Council reviewed the annexation petition filed by Smith’s Loft Properties, LLC. The location of this property was discussed briefly. Monte Turner, Planning Commission Chair, reported that the Planning Commission reviewed this annexation and its last meeting and the Planning Commission is recommending that the Council approve the annexation. Motion: Adopt Resolution 2020-13 accepting the annexation petition filed by Smith’ Loft Properties, LLC for property located at approximately 177 West 1500 South, Action: Adopted, Moved by Kathy Christensen, Seconded by Bryan Burrows. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yea: Bryan Burrows, Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave.
  2. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT. Monte Turner was present to report on the meeting held on November 4, 2020. A public hearing for the rezoning of the Red Hills Trailer Parks was held and the Planning Commission recommends that the Council approve this rezone. There was also a public hearing for short-term rentals to allow access to all guest rooms from other entrances other than the main entrance of the dwelling. They recommended that the Council approve this change. A public hearing was held to discuss allowing animals for youth programs similar to 4-H projects for the County Fair animals to be kept in residential zones for 150 days before the County Fair and 7 days after the County Fair. Mr. Turner stated that the proposal would not allow any more than three animals to be in on a residential property for the 150 days. The Planning Commission recommended that the Council change the zoning code to allow this use.

Mr. Turner also reported that there has been a lot of discussion about the density of housing units. The Planning Commission is going to meet and discuss potential changes to the density allowance per acre.

  1. MIXED USE FOR MOTEL 6 DISCUSSED. Councilmember Nielson suggested allowing the use of the Motel 6 property to be a mixed-use including studio apartments and commercial businesses should be tabled for further review. Motion: Table the request to allow Motel 6 to become a mixed-use with studio apartments, Action: Tabled, Moved by Connie Nielsen, Seconded by Bryan Burrows. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yea: Bryan Burrows, Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave.
  2. PUBLIC HEARING – CAMPGROUNDS. Mayor Ogden opened a public hearing at 8:18 p.m. to receive comments on a proposed change to the Use Table of the Zoning Code allowing campgrounds in the CG zone. Hearing no comments, Mayor Ogden closed the hearing at 8:19 p.m.
  3. PUBLIC HEARING – SHORT TERM-RENTALS. Mayor Ogden opened a public hearing at 8:19 pm to receive comments regarding a change to Section 17-7-Bed and Breakfast Inn and Short Term-Rentals of the Zoning Code to eliminate the requirement that all guest rooms in short-term rentals must be accessed through the primary access or main entrance of the dwelling. The proposal is to allow guest rooms to be accessed from other entrances in the dwelling. The hearing closed at 8:20 p.m.
  4. PUBLIC HEARING – REZONE RED HILLS TRAILER PARK. Mayor Ogden opened a hearing at 8:21 pm to receive comments on a request to change the current RM-11 zoning of the Red Hills Trailer Park to the MD zone to allow for the KOA Campground to be expanded into the area where the trailer park used to be. In our current Zoning Code, the only zone that allows campgrounds is MD. When the back half of the KOA was annexed, it was zoned MD to accommodate its existing use. This will make the zone for the whole campground consistent. The hearing closed at 8:23 pm.
  5. PUBLIC HEARING – ANIMALS FOR COUNTY FAIR. Mayor Ogden opened a public hearing to receive comments concerning a revision to the Zoning Code to allow for the keeping of nor more than three youth project animals for 120 days before and 7 days after the County Fair in residential areas. Mike Larsen who requested the change stated that the proposed ordinance came from another community that did this and they had some of the same concerns with enforcement. If we need to do more or make it different for this to work, he would be happy to work with the staff or Council to make this happen. It would make a difference to his family if they could have their animals at their home. The amount of time that needs to be spent with the animal would be better if they were able to have direct access to the animal. He understands the concerns that others have in allowing this in residential areas.

Councilmember Hansen asked where the proposed ordinance came from. It was an ordinance they adopted in Parker, Arizona. Councilmember Hansen asked how it had worked there. Mr. Larsen noted that one of the huge things is that they had to do was talk to their neighbors to make this work.

Councilmember Burrows wondered if there would be a way if we could put something about having someone from the organized group and who is doing it and to make sure that there are not any complaints.

Michelle Olsen stated that typically when you purchase a property in the City you tend to have City life and if you want to have animals then you tend to go out into the County. The hearing closed at 8:46 pm.

  1. INCREASE TO SEASON PASSES AT THE GOLF COURSE APPROVED. Todd Mullen recommended some changes to the fees at the golf course. There has not been an increase since 2015. The changes would include a 10 round pass that would go from $115 to $120, a 20-round pass from $220 to $230, a men’s season pass from $600 to $650, and a senior men’s pass from $550 to $600. He also proposed an increase in locker fees of $10 for each small and large.

Councilmember Nielson felt that there should not be separate prices for men and women. Ryan Draper noted that there were only 9 women who bought a season pass last year, six were seniors and three were below 50 years old. The Council changed a women’s season pass from $500 to $575 and a senior women’s season pass from $450 to $575. Motion: Consider a proposal to increase the cost of season passes at the golf course as discussed, Action: Approved, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Kathy Christensen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yea: Bryan Burrows, Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave.

  1. RECONSIDERATION OF A NO OCCUPANCY OIL AND GAS LEASE DENIED. S & K Energy felt like the Council did not have all of the information they needed to make an informed decision. They asked the Council to reconsider an oil and gas lease with a no occupancy clause. They noted that they do have restrictions placed on them when it is the mating season if they are in an area where they could affect this. Motion: Deny the agreement for oil and gas lease with S&K Energy, Action: Adjourn, Moved by Connie Nielsen, Seconded by Kathy Christensen. Vote: Motion passed (summary: Yes = 4, No = 1, Abstain = 0). Yes: Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave. No: Bryan Burrows.
  2. PROPERTY LEASES NEAR THE SEWER LAGOONS DISCUSSED. The City has been approached about leasing some ground by the sewer lagoons to put goats on. It would have to be fenced and Mr. Simmons is willing to fence it. It is located by the property that Jim Brown is leasing from the City. Mr. Mogan was not sure which property Mr. Simmons was inquiring about but showed the Council where he thought it was located.

Last year we did not advertise the leases that we have with John Schena and Jim Brown because the road being proposed by the County would affect this property. Chief Lloyd noted that when the road goes through there it will affect the area they have been using for a shooting range. The Council felt that the leases with Mr. Schena and Mr. Brown for this next year.

The Council suggested Mr. Simmons meet with Mr. Mogan and identify the property he is asking to lease and then the Council will act on this at a future meeting.

  1. WATER AND SEWER RATES DISCUSSED. Tyson Hansen explained that he met with Rural Water and they analyzed our rates and compared them with what we should be charging. They recommended that the City make 20% more than what expenditures are in that fund.

It was determined that the Council would adopt a resolution at the next meeting to increase the sewer base rate by $4, with a $1 increase each year thereafter for the next 4 years through 2025.

As for an increase in the water rates, the Council continued to discuss how they felt the rates should be structured. Councilmember Christensen had a problem with apartments only paying one base rate. She felt that they should pay a base rate for each unit.

  1. OTHER BUSINESS. Christmas Tree Lane and the Christmas Light Parade were discussed. Christmas Tree Lane is a Chamber event, but Councilmember Christensen felt that the Council should make a recommendation as to whether it should be held or not. Chief Lloyd would like to know about the parade. These events do require a mass gathering permit through the health department, but this is a Chamber event as well. The Council will decide at their next meeting on November 17, 2020.

The Council will be holding a special meeting on December 1, 2020, for the private activity bond.

Mr. Hansen reported that the removal of the asbestos at the Elk’s Lodge is underway. The department heads will be coming to Council to discuss ideas and suggestions for the use of the building at the next meeting.

  1. ADJOURNMENT. At 10:10 p.m., Motion: Adjourn, Action: Adjourned, Moved by Kathy Christensen, Seconded by Todd Gleave. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 5). Yea: Bryan Burrows, Connie Nielsen, Kathy Christensen, Kip Hansen, Todd Gleave.

PASSED and APPROVED this 23 day of March 2020.