MINUTES SMITHFIELD CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 22, 2008

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1 MINUTES SMITHFIELD CITY COUNCIL MEETING October 22, 2008 The Smithfield City Council met in a regular scheduled meeting at 69 North Main, Smithfield, Utah on Wednesday, October 22, The following were present constituting a quorum. Mayor Council Members City Manager City Recorder Absent Chad E. Downs Brent Buttars Kris Monson Michael Oliverson Dee Wood James P. Gass O. Dean Clegg Dennis Watkins Mayor Downs called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. City Manager Jim Gass offered a prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance Visitors: Natasha Lindhardt, Barbara Gutke, Jeffrey R. Gittins, Erika Marshall, Ray Winn, Zack Mitchell, Glen Jay Thornley, Emilie Wheeler, Lowdy King, and Jean Douglass Agenda: Welcome and Opening Ceremonies 1 Citizen Input 2 Consideration of Consent Agenda Minutes of October 8, 2008 City Council Meeting 3 Consideration of appointment to the Planning Commission 3.3 Consideration to award the bid for Public Works Storage building 4 Public Hearing, not to begin before 7:00 pm for consideration of a new City Office complex on the old National Guard Armory site, 50 East 100 North, or perhaps the remodel of the old National Guard Armory to accommodate the city offices. The project is located in a 100-year flood plain. The city is interested in discussing alternatives to this project and securing public perceptions of possible adverse impacts that could result from the project and possible minimization measures. 5 City Manager Items 6 Mayor and Council Reports 7 Adjournment Page 1 of 8

2 Citizen Input: Citizen Barbara Gutke told those in attendance she had looked around the new park in the north end of town, she is very happy with it. It will be wonderful. Councilmember Kris Monson told Mrs. Gutke the Park and Trails Committee would like to name the new park after her. Mrs. Gutke said that would be an honor to her. She is planning on putting a historical bench there with her name on it. Mayor Downs said he has received thanks from the Neighborhood Watch Committee, with Esterlee Molyneux as the chair, for the help of the city in putting up neighborhood watch signs in their neighborhood. Consideration of Consent Agenda, Minutes of October 8, 2008 City Council Meeting Mayor Downs declared the consent agenda approved. Consideration of Appointment to the Planning Commission Councilmember Brent Buttars submitted the name of Jamie Anderson as an alternate member to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion: Councilmember Brent Buttars made a motion to appoint Jamie Anderson as an alternate member of the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Kris Monson. Voted yea: Buttars, Monson, Oliverson,. Wood Voterd nay: - Absent: Watkins Consideration to Award the Bid for Public Works Storage Building Mayor Downs said bids were submitted on October 15 for a public works storage building. The city received eight bids. Brent Godfrey Construction submitted the low bid of $76, Corbridge Building Services came in second with a bid of $87,649.00, and Tom Pitcher Construction came in third with a bid of $88, City Manager Jim Gass said that Brent Godfrey Construction did the work on the roof on the Senior Citizen Center. He did a very good job. City Manager Jim Gass recommended the council accept the bid by Brent Godfrey to construct the public works storage building. He noted that the purchase of concrete was not part of the bid. The City will pay directly for this and saves the city about $800 in sales tax, but Mr. Godfrey will be doing the work. Material that is at the armory and out in the weather will be stored in the new storage shed. Councilmember Oliverson asked if the bid ws within the budgeted amount. City Manager Page 2 of 8

3 Gass reported the budget had $65,000 set aside for the building and the additional cost would have to be borne by the water and sewer budgets. In doing so, the water, sewer, and general fund would be contributing equal amounts for the building. Motion: Councilmember Dee Wood made a motion to accept and award the bid for the public works storage building to Brent Godfrey Construction Company. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Michael Oliverson. Motion Passes. Voted yea: Buttars, Oliverson, Monson, Wood Voted nay: - Absent Watkins Public Hearing, not to Begin Before 7:00 p.m. for Consideration of a new City Office Complex on the Old National Guard Armory Site, 50 East, 100 North or Perhaps the Remodel of the Old National Guard Armory to Accommodate City Offices. The Project is Located in a 100-Year Flood Plain. The City is Interested in Discussing Alternatives to this Project and Securing Public Perceptions of Possible Adverse Impacts that Could Result from the Project and Possible Minimization Measures. Mayor Downs said the public hearing was to explain and share with citizens the city s intent to consider building in a flood plain and the restrictions established by FEMA should the city elect to pursue the project on the Armory site using federal grant funds. The Mayor explained the city needed to complete a flood plain study of the site to determine the extent of the 100-year flood plain and whether or not the future building would be located in it. A year ago we had a bond election that did not pass; after that we did a survey asking what the issues and reasons the bond did not pass. No. 1 Money, No 2 Citizens were concerned that the armory would be taken down, and No. 3 The city council would want to demolish the old library. The council is reluctant to do this. In August we considered the many options available to the city. Some of the ideas we suggested were to remodel the armory, put in a new city office east of the armory, keep the armory and put in a kitchen and keep the basketball court, and make it better for families (family reunions, parties, etc.) Funding for the project was a combination of federal grant funds, a loan from the C.I.B. and city funds totally almost two million dollars. City Manager Jim Gass started the process of a 100-year flood plain review by taking data, measurement of stream size, and bridge cross-sections along Summit Creek. Tonight, the purpose of the public hearing is to take input from the public about what to do instead of building in the flood plain. Mayor Downs then opened the public hearing at 7:10 p.m. He asked those present for their input for building in a flood plain. Citizen Glenn Jay Thornley asked How do you have a flood plain if the water runs three out of four directions? He said he sincerely questions the judgment of the firm that declared Page 3 of 8

4 this a flood plain. Mayor Downs said there is a flood plain map that was drawn up a number of years ago. FEMA investigates various locations around the country that may be susceptible to flooding then creates a FIRM map outlining where they consider the limits of the flood plain to be. The city adopted an ordinance designed to control building within the flood plain. If you were to build or buy a home along that area where the flood plain has been determined on the map you would be building on the flood plain. Because the city is part of the Nation Flood Insurance Program property owners are able to obtain national flood insurance from the federal government. The adopted ordinance requires any residence built within the flood plain must be built such that the lowest level is above the 100 year flood plain. If the city were to build within the flood plain and use federal funds we would also have the additional requirement to carry flood insurance. The cost for that insurance based on our investigation was approximately $30,000 per year and the coverage would only be for $500,000 Smithfield resident Ray Winn stated that he thought this was a public hearing suggesting not a time set aside for the Mayor to do the talking. He also said Councilmembers and the City Manager need to speak loud enough for the public to hear. They need to face forward to speak so they can be heard. He asked if we didn t use the FEMA money do we still have to have flood insurance? City Manager Jim Gass said there is a requirement that if you use HUD money, you have to have flood insurance, yes. Smithfield resident Jeff Gittins said we need to think about features of Smithfield Canyon and Summit Creek. Smithfield Canyon is one of the highest, steepest canyons around. If you go to history books there have been times when we have had to funnel the creek down the road. That ground up the canyon gets really dry, then you get a really wet year, on high water years you can listen to big boulders move. Right up near the site, we have an irrigation diversion. We have a measuring device further up the canyon and we have a cleaner that tries to keep debris from going into the pipe under the highway. If we decide to build on the property, please involve the Smithfield Irrigation Company. In the early 1980 s we had a flood situation. It is the debris that creates problems. We have made improvements here, but there is still reason to be cautious. Mayor Downs said part of the money comes from the CIB. We are checking to see if that requires the same thing. Mr. Gittins said, Again, we are asking to be involved if you build at the armory site to protect our interests. Mayor Downs said if we do build there, we will involve everyone. Mr. Gittins said the canal runs north of that building, that canal carries lots of waste water. You have water that converges at that point. Mayor Downs stated, We ve tried to keep our facilities downtown. Mayor Downs said he had a businessman ask if we would abandon downtown. Mayor Downs then asked those Page 4 of 8

5 present what they would think about moving the city office a few blocks from the center of town. Smithfield resident Lowdy King asked What s the cost being downtown, flood insurance? Flood insurance is quoted at $30,000 per year. If you build at the armory what is the cost? Thirty thousand dollars per year for 100 years? Resident Glen J. Thornley doesn t like the idea of abandoning downtown. He argued we are trying to build up downtown, we can t move the city offices from the area. Resident Jeff Gittins reminded council members when they speak during a public hearing, they need to please speak in the direction of the public. Resident Ray Winn reported that Logan has been working with architects about building a new library. They plan on getting donations for about half of the total sum needed. Our Smithfield residents want a library more than they want a city office. You need to think about the public when you think about a city office. Mayor Downs told those present that Councilmember Dennis Watkins is looking at creating a Friends for the Library group that could do fund raising Resident Glen Jay Thornley heard after the election that the perception was that citizens did not want the library. Most people were happy with the plan that came out when Ray Winn was the mayor. You would please the public more if you built one building a city office and a library all in one building. Resident Jeff Gittins told the council they have opened this up to public comment. He agrees with Mr. Thornley, you have said why you think the bond was turned down. Mr. Gittins has heard comments the citizens did not feel informed about the city office building. If citizens had known the plan was to link the city office and library into one building they would not have liked it. Mr. Gittins doesn t think people voted against the library, but they saw a lump project and weren t ready for that. Smithfield citizen Lowdy King asked if the current library was in the 100-year flood plain. Mayor Downs answered Probably. Citizen Ray Winn asked, If you build two buildings are you planning on another $2,000,000 to do it? Mayor Downs reported the architect said there could be a ten to fifteen per cent savings if you put them together. There would be sharing of conference rooms, restrooms, and parking. Councilmember Kris Monson asked if we don t put it in the flood plain, where do you want to do it? Ray Winn said It is not in the flood plain. Page 5 of 8

6 Jeff Gittins said most citizens would like to see the city office in the downtown area. Maybe next to the old library deserves a second thought, or the armory. He encourages the council to look at the armory or some spot where the city already owns property. City Manager Jim Gass said most of the property that the city owns is in the flood plain. Ray Winn asked how long it had been since we have seen any damage that floods have done in Smithfield. City Manager Gass reminded the group that water out of Smithfield and Birch Canyons can be significant and it s not likely that we ve seen a 100 year flood. During the 1983 flood the trash guard was taken out by the armory. There were problems with every bridge, the worst of the flood was in the middle of the night, most people didn t see that. Resident Lowdy King asked, How much property are you looking at for a new complex? Mayor Downs answered Probably one to one-and-one-half acre but if you included the library you would need more space than that and include more parking. Mayor Downs closed the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. City Manager Jim Gass added that as a part of this, we concluded that the armory is probably not the best site for the city office, we would be better served looking somewhere other than at the armory. Councilmember Kris Monson said if the current library is not in flood plain, that should be considered too. City Manager Items ATV s on Streets in Smithfield Chief McCoy has asked that the council give consideration for some streets in town being designated as ATV streets. We can name streets in town that will accept ATV s. (ATV s would have to be licensed and inspected each year). Consideration can be given to access roads to our canyons for this issue. Prohibiting Deer on the Golf Course Chad Daniels, Golf Course Manager, would like to have the support of the council to prohibit feeding of deer on the golf course. The Council gave a favorable consensus to this. Parking by First/Second Ward Church Building Chief McCoy noted that on Sundays there are many vehicles parked illegally by the First/Second Ward Church Building. The current ordinance states that people park parallel to the curb unless the area is marked otherwise. On the street in front of the church the curb nd is marked for diagonal parking. People are parking diagonally down 2 South. We need to Page 6 of 8

7 mark this street either parallel or diagonal so people know what is legal. Resident Jeff Gittins said on the south and east sides of the road lines have been painted there. Not many people park according to the lines. We need to mark the roads before we issue any tickets. The recommendation is for diagonal parking on the west side of 100 West and parallel on the east side of the road. Council members will look at 200 South and come back to the meeting with their recommendations. Paving of City Streets Seventh East has been paved, and First West is planned to be paved very soon. Senior Citizen s Center City Manager Jim Gass said if you haven t had a chance to see the Senior Citizen s Center since it was completed, please do so. It is very nice. We need to replace some logs, the inside will be finished and then we will get new carpet. A new foundation and a new roof cost less than $30,000. We do have the new tongue-and-groove on the front interior wall. It will be placed on the other walls after the exterior walls have been replaced. Mayor and Council Reports Mayor Downs Report: Pads (cement) for historical benches have been poured. We are planning to install benches for Randy Low, and Marilyn Benavides around the library. Down by the Historical Park, Clinton and Diane Godfrey will put in a bench. Electrical Power at Forrester Acres Mayor Downs signed an easement on city property to get power out to Forrester Acres to allow Rocky Mountain Power to run electrical power to the north side of the football field, then it will go down to the arena and into the new storage shed. There will be power every fifty feet along the football field for the Health Days celebration. National Lions Two weeks ago Smithfield hosted Utah North Lions District. The president of the National Lions was here from Pennsylvania. It was a very nice meeting. Councilmember Wood s Report: Councilmember Wood said Randy Rasmussen, the gentleman with the Christmas lights, put his light show in Preston last year. Councilmember Wood would like him to do his show in Smithfield this year. If we provided security with our police, would he be more interested in coming to Smithfield? The reason for the flood plain study was to discourage people from building in those areas. Page 7 of 8

8 The National Flood Plan came about so people wouldn t build in the flood plains. The insurance is too high. People are still building there and getting insurance that is costing billions of dollars. Councilmember Monson s Report: Councilmember Monson said there will be an article in the newsletter on the number of people who want to be on the Tree Committee. Councilmember Oliverson s Report: City Youth Council will be out tomorrow night (October 23) Trick or Treating for glasses. The Senior Ball will be Friday night, the second week in November (November 14) at 120 South 600 East Smithfield Stake House. Councilmember Buttars Report: Councilmember Buttars encouraged everyone to come to the Senior Ball. It is always very nice. The American Legion does something once every year for seniors too. Adjournment: Motion: A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Kris Monson. Unanimous. Adjourned at 7:50 p.m. th Approved and signed this 12 day of November SMITHFIELD CITY CORPORATION ATTEST: Chad E. Downs, Mayor O. Dean Clegg, Recorder Page 8 of 8