LaVerkin City Council Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:00 p.m.

Council Chambers, 111 S. Main, LaVerkin, Utah

 

A.    Meeting Called to Order-Invocation by Invitation; Pledge of Allegiance

B.     Recognitions: Employee of the Month - Kyle Gubler

C.     Presentations:

D.    Appointments:

E.     Consent Agenda: (Items on the consent agenda may not require discussion. These items will be a single motion unless removed at the request of the Mayor or City Council.)

1.Declarations of conflict of interest

2.      Agenda

3.      Minutes: February 17, 2010 regular/work meeting

4.Review Invoices and Checks: $117,369.12

F.      Committee Reports: Planning Commission, Water Board, Sewer Board, Fire District

G.    Citizen Comment & Request for Future Agenda Items: No action may be taken on a matter raised under this agenda item. This item is reserved for items not listed on this agenda. (Three minutes per person.)

H.    Public Hearings:

1.      Ordinance 2010-04: An Ordinance to affirm, confirm, ratify, and otherwise approve monthly compensation for Mayor and City Council. (Kevin Bennett)

I.       Unfinished Business:

1.      Ordinance 2010-04: Possible action on an Ordinance to affirm, confirm, ratify, and otherwise approve monthly compensation for Mayor and City Council.

J.       New Business:

1.      Consulting Services Agreement for Dr. Kim Mitchell. Discussion and Possible Action. (Mayor Wilson)

2.      Resolution R-2010-09: Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the District Fugitive Task Force (DFTF). Discussion and Possible Action. (Lloyd Watkins)

K.    Staff, Mayor, & Council Reports: City Administrator, Public Safety, Director of Operations, Treasurer; Mayor & Council as follows:

Mayor Wilson: Public Safety, animal control, HCAC, Confluence Park, Vision Dixie Committee, Sewer Board

Jensen: Historical Preservation, Youth City Council, Solid Waste

Justice: Planning Commission, Homeland Security/CERT, Confluence Park, ZC3

Beecher: Beautification, Economic Development, Trails Committee

Stratton: Utah Shooting Sports Park, public works, Fire District, Sewer Board, Zoning

Howard: Recreation, arts & crafts, City Festival,

 

L.     Adjourn:

Work Meeting immediately following regular meeting

A.    FY10-11 budget

B.     Adjourn

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify June Jeffery, City Recorder, (435) 635-2581, at least 48 hours in advance.

Certificate of Posting

The undersigned City Recorder does hereby certify that the agenda was sent to each member of the governing body, sent to the Spectrum newspaper,  posted on the State website at http://pmn.utah.gov, posted on the LaVerkin City website at www.laverkin.org

and in the following public places within LaVerkin City limits on this February 26, 2010

These public places being: 1) LaVerkin City office building 111 S. Main; 2) LaVerkin City office building 435 N. Main;

June Jeffery, CMC

City Recorder

 

LaVerkin City Council Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 6:00 p.m.

Council Chambers, 111 S. Main, LaVerkin, Utah

Present: Mayor Karl Wilson; Councilmembers Ray Justice, Hugh Howard, Doug Beecher, Phil Jensen, Scott Stratton; Staff: Kyle Gubler, Attorney Kevin Bennett, Chief Lloyd Watkins, June Jeffery, Derek Imlay, Rory Johnson; Public: Kim Mitchell, Steve Whittaker, Maurine Roberts, Blair Gubler, Tom Kuhlmann

Meeting Called to Order- 6:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Doug Beecher.

Recognitions: Employee of the Month: Kyle Gubler announced Officer Kade Hall as the employee of the month. Hall was not able to attend but responded to the recognition by saying that he "doesn't have a lot to say, but carries a big night stick". Hall has taken on a lot of responsibility in the police department, is very reliable. He works the night shift most of the time.

Consent Agenda: (Items on the consent agenda may not require discussion. These items will be a single motion unless removed at the request of the Mayor or City Council.)

1.Declarations of conflict of interest

2.Agenda

3.Minutes: February 17, 2010 regular/work meeting

4.Review Invoices and Checks: $117,369.12

Motion by Councilmember Beecher to approve the consent agenda with payment of invoices and checks of $117,369.12, second by Councilmember Jensen. Roll Call Vote: Howard-yes, Justice-yes, Jensen-yes, Beecher-yes, Stratton-yes. Motion carried unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Planning Commission: No meeting

Water Board: No meeting

Sewer Board: Blair Gubler announced that the district is studying their impact fee structure. With economic conditions, the fees may go down or may stay the same.

Karl Wilson thanked Blair for a 4-wheel trip into Warner Valley.

Fire District: Tomorrow will approve an RFP for safety gear for $70,000. The two vendors were only $8,000 difference in cost with 400 items to bid. Hurricane Council should approve. Federal matching.

Vote in June to authorize mil levy. Asked County Commissioner to participate with payment of $19,000 for the first six months. The ballot language should be complete by the end of the week. Next month will start the general public hearing process. The district will be contacting people in each city for a contact person to give out information.

 

Citizen Comment & Request for Future Agenda Items: No action may be taken on a matter raised under this agenda item. This item is reserved for items not listed on this agenda. (Three minutes per person.)

Steve Whittaker wondered if he could buy an RV, park it alongside his home and rent it out. Wilson directed Whittaker to contact staff about the concern. Whittaker continued that there are people living near him in an RV. The neighbors have signed a complaint, but nothing has happened. Whittaker lives at 231 W. 330 N. in Stowell's trailer park. Chief Watkins stated that the case has been submitted to the prosecuting attorney for court.

Public Hearings:

Ordinance 2010-04: An Ordinance to affirm, confirm, ratify, and otherwise approve monthly compensation for Mayor and City Council.

Kevin Bennett discussed that in 2007 a pay increase was given to the Mayor and Council as part of the budget process. Public hearing for the budget was held, but the pay increase was not separated from the rest of the budget process. The City Code was not updated to reflect the raise in compensation. The increase has been paid since 2007. The Ordinance ratifies that the increase was approved and cleans up the statutory process for that change.

Wilson stated that City Council reviewed this item last week and set the public hearing. He then opened the public hearing.

Maurine Roberts stated that she was grateful that the Council and Mayor could receive pay again. She has appreciated what they have done to get the city back on track. She then stated that she is the next door neighbor to the people Whittaker was discussing. The owner of the property is Ed (couldn't remember last name), who doesn't live there anymore. The people are living in the log cabin and the home at 215 W. She believed that Ed was suffering from elder abuse. Wilson stopped Roberts and said that the public hearing was meant to discuss the Ordinance. He suggested that the parties get with Chief Watkins to discuss the issue. He offered to meet with them after the meeting if he could be of assistance.

Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing.

Unfinished Business:

Ordinance 2010-04: Ordinance to affirm, confirm, ratify, and otherwise approve monthly compensation for Mayor and City Council.

Doug Beecher stated that there wasn't much to discuss, this was already approved.  Motion by Councilmember Beecher to approve Ordinance 2010-04 to affirm, confirm, and ratify the monthly compensation for Mayor and Council, second by Councilmember Howard. Roll Call Vote: Beecher-yes, Jensen-yes, Justice-yes, Howard-yes, Stratton-no. Motion carried 4-1.

New Business:

Consulting Services Agreement for Dr. Kim Mitchell: Wilson met Dr. Mitchell through a mutual friend a few months ago. Mitchell has been involved with energy/technology throughout his life. He has patents on solar equipment. Wilson wanted to ratify the work that Dr. Mitchell has done with the city. Mitchell has done an analysis of utility bills the city pays. The consulting agreement was drawn up by Bennett and Mitchell. Bennett has protected the city. The agreement calls for Mitchell to receive $1,000 to start for a thorough analysis, then 40% of the utility savings during a two-year period following the agreement up to $2,000. When savings are demonstrated by an independent engineer, the cap may be moved to $5,000.

Dr. Mitchell introduced himself. He is interested in energy technology, and conservation. He has saved companies 100s of thousands of BTUs worldwide. He listed resume accomplishments including Founder of Solar Research in Golden, Colorado; and work in Europe and Asia using leading technology. He has found that the utility structure here is different, but can save the city much more than he will receive. The savings will come through structural changes to lower demand.

Wilson informed that the pump at the station in Hillside Terrace would be rewired to only come on when it was in use through Mitchell's work. It may be possible to get grants to rehabilitate the exiting chambers building - which is a major energy hog. Mitchell understands the whole gamut of development in residential and commercial usage.

Scott Stratton wondered if the city had contacted any other agencies. Kyle Gubler had called Forum Tomorrow and another - UCMC that will run a similar energy audit. UCMC has worked for West Valley City, Sandy, and South Salt Lake. Mitchell stated that he knew of this business. They contract for 50% with a 3-5 year savings. Further discussion that their original audit is free. Mitchell said that he did further work with someone who used another service and was able to save them another $10,000 per year.

Gubler said that Forum Tomorrow could help get grants - otherwise they were vague. They may be able to help get renovation grants with the chamber building.

Mitchell referred to work in Taiwan where he was able to lower their costs, and work in California where their costs were lowered by 85%. He is interested in technology and economics, and believed that he could give the city a return on their investment in less than a year.

Motion by Councilmember Howard to approve the Consulting Services Agreement for Dr. Kim Mitchell, second by Councilmember Stratton. Roll Call Vote: Stratton-yes, Beecher-yes, Jensen-yes, Justice-yes, Howard-yes. Motion carried unanimously.

Wilson stated that he would sign that so that Mitchell could continue on work that has already been started.

Resolution R-2010-09: Memorandum of Understanding for participation in the District Fugitive Task Force (DFTF).

Chief Watkins said that the MOU is in connection with JKAT and the US Marshall's office. A couple of times every month, LaVerkin officers team with the Task Force to make arrests.  Officers Hall and Romney are authorized to get the warrants and go with JKAT. It is an aggressive effort with a high percentage of arrests. The task force will give money to the city that will help with overtime pay for officers. The Marshall's office needs the MOU to use our procedures with other agencies to help apprehend warrants without any cost to the city.

Wilson gave a budget note, that he had included these revenues in "other revenues" and the expenses in the "police budget". The over-time would not distract from the regular hours budgeted.

Ray Justice complimented the officers on the great job they are doing. He would like to reward them - they are doing a great job getting rid of that element from the city.  Motion by Councilmember Justice to approve Resolution R-2010-09 Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the District Fugitive Task Force, second by Councilmember Beecher. Roll Call Vote: Howard-yes, Justice-yes, Jensen-yes, Beecher-yes, Stratton-yes. Motion carried unanimously.

Staff, Mayor, & Council Reports:

City Administrator: Kyle Gubler has a new laptop and tried to send an e-report. Councilmembers and other staff will have some of the same reports he would have. He met with Ron Thompson of the Washington County Water Conservancy District about the Ash Creek pipeline. The line is to come from Black Ridge through pipeline to a reservoir in Anderson Junction. Hurricane, Toquerville, and LaVerkin cities are shareholders in the water. There are concerns that the pipe line will directly affect normal flow of water into the Toquerville Springs - culinary water system. The WCWCD has guaranteed that if the water is reduced they will provide the amount of water reduction to the cities at no extra cost. Karl Wilson discussed the Ash Creek Canal Company that is made up of Hurricane, Toquerville, and LaVerkin Cities and the WCWCD. An agreement was signed previous to his terms in office to consolidate water. Wilson is in support of the Ash Creek project for secondary water support. There is belief that it will preserve the Toquerville Springs without a lot of cost.

Public Safety: Lloyd Watkins expressed appreciation for the MOU passage. He also expressed appreciation for his officers. The department has been given a grant for $7500 for equipment. Started on March 1^st, has to be finished by June. Has submitted another grant that will be split in two fiscal years. The department is in the middle of a case that is going very well. He will report on it at the next meeting.

Wilson expressed appreciation to the officers for their work.

Director of Operations: Derek Imlay reported that the water project is continuing. Every Thursday there is a meeting with the contractor, engineer, and the city. Last Thursday the project was 14% complete with 23% of the time passed. The city was concerned, but the engineer said that because of the full services that were going into 400 N. and 630 N. those locations were taking more time. When work begins on State Street, it should move faster and catch up the lag time. The pressure and chlorine tests were passed at 400 N. and 630 N. Those services are almost done. Need to put in the valve at 100 E. and the rest of services on 400 N.

Luis Marin has gone through the city caring for all the city trees. The old city office and Vintage Park are all that is left. Wilson complimented Marin as an excellent worker.

There was another water break on State Street by Stowell's. That has been fixed. The patch didn't hold up to traffic and UDOT required the asphalt to come out and be reinstalled. That was finished on Monday. Cost about $3,000 and will be torn out as the water project goes into State Street. This kind of break shows the need for the State Street project. Imlay thanked Stratton for his help on the weekend. Visqueen had been laid over the patch to protect it. The cover got moved, Stratton fixed it.

Treasurer: Kyle Gubler had visited with Troylinn Benson over the last week. She is now taking calls and is optimistic about the surgery.

Mayor & Council as follows:

Mayor Wilson: Wilson asked June Jeffery to get in touch with James Price to review the sound system in the chambers. There is a lot of noise and feedback. There is also an invoice from James for the Mayor tie-in to the power point that has not come through either.

HCAC: Wilson was just reappointed to continue as chair for two more years. The HCP minutes are going to be available on the County website

Confluence Park: Meeting last week. Discussed the irrigation line, and grants. There will be a 4^th of July run into the park. One of the Hurricane LDS stakes is planning a youth day in the park. There will be a Mayor's hike on March 20^th. Meet at the 480 S. trail head at 10:00 a.m. Wilson would like to include the tortoise resort if the river is crossable.

Jensen: Recycling committee is looking at promotions and ideas to involve the elementary schools and create awareness

Justice: No reports. Comment that boys and girls clubs are putting clothing bins near the binnies to collect clothing for those in need.

Beecher: Beautification Committee met prior to the council meeting. There has been a reduction in members. They are looking for new members to take the place of those who just resigned. They are working with UDOT and USU to design and implement the crescent. There should be a representative from USU at up-coming beautification and city council meetings to present three different designs. Once the design is done, the committee could apply for grants.

Economic Development: Met with Derral Eves last week to look at the economic development website. He committed to have it live in another week. www.whylaverkin.com is not official yet.

Trails: Glad to see the Mayor's hike scheduled.

Stratton: Utah Shooting Sports Park had no meeting. They are working out some details at the range.

Howard: There is a committee formed for the Easter Egg hunt.

Adjourn: Motion by Councilmember Justice to adjourn for a brief break before reconvening for a budget work meeting, second by Councilmember Howard. Motion carried unanimously. 6:52 p.m.

Work Meeting 7:00 p.m.

FY10-11 budget

Present: Mayor Karl Wilson; Councilmembers Ray Justice, Hugh Howard, Doug Beecher, Phil Jensen, Scott Stratton; Staff: Kyle Gubler, Attorney Kevin Bennett, Chief Lloyd Watkins, June Jeffery, Derek Imlay, Rory Johnson; Public:

Karl Wilson showed an updated power point presentation. A new line was added to the General Fund Expenses chart for Community & Economic Development. The payroll slide shows the over time reduction to 2.5%. Everything else is the same. Labor and Benefit Allocations went from 43% of projected revenue to 48%. General Fund amount was reduced. Numbers on this slide are correct, but the percentages are not updated.

The pie chart has been revised to reflect the changes that were made after the last City Council meeting. Sales taxes continue to decrease. Property taxes are expected to go down equal to the amount that will go to the fire district. There will be a Truth in Taxation that could give more time for the budget, but Wilson would still like to have the budget completed in early June if possible. Revenue is still down, but the city is on track.

B & C Road funds were up in January. This month looks close to last year. Changes that were made to this budget worksheet from the last are highlighted in color. Red highlight in parks and recreation miscellaneous expenses was an item that was completely left off the last work sheet.

Fire was reduced from $90,000 to $62,000 to reflect payment to the Fire District at the same rate as last year, but for 6 months.

This General Fund worksheet is not balanced yet. It is still -$73,106.

Water Fund was reduced by $32,000. Calculations show that there is more, but Mayor is being conservative. Labor has been adjusted. Shows "0" in water fund balance. Interest in old bond/new bond. Principle is about $27,000, reserve is $38,000. Account #6350.690 depreciation is $142,000 is cash increase in the Capital Budget fund balance. Needs to be accounted for in Capital Budget. Still net increase of $19,153.

Irrigation and drainage show labor adjustments.

Karl had long discussion with Neal from Pelorus about Fund Equity. The General Fund is healthy. Will be close on the Water Fund this year, but good for next year. Because the General Fund was corrected, the Water Fund took a small hit.

Mayor is not open to cutting anything from streets. There is $45,000 in this year's budget that needs to be used, and another $45,000 in the next budget. Derek has met with Holbrook for crack seal. Wilson feels that a dollar spent now will save eight in the future. Holbrook has a solution that will hold for 5-6 years. There is some time sensitivity to the project. Wilson would like Stratton involved with it. Mayor also feels that any excess monies should go to the streets. Need to analyze cash flow.

Doug Beecher is pleased that every other fund is good. Suggestions to balance the General Fund include directing the mayor to cut another 20% out of every cost but streets, debt services, and wages to see where that would bring the fund. It could be tweaked from there; or to explore ways to raise revenues. The budget has already been cut deeply and there isn't much room to cut more. Truth in Taxation and maintaining the property tax rate and paying no more for fire could help.

Wilson said that fire payment went from $28,000 to $162,000 without any raise in taxes to pay for the service. The payment will go away with the District Truth in Taxation taxes.

Stratton would like council to work toward making employees responsible for 15% of their benefits. There was discussion that the 2% merit is not a given, those increases will be given based on performance. Overtime will be given out by the directors through the mayor. It is expected that the operations crew will use the overtime for weekend coverage or on-call.

Phil Jensen wondered about the increase in park wages. Wilson discussed that some of the money is to include wages to Luis. Jensen believed the percentage increase was fairly high. Wilson stated that the tracking and allocation of wages has created the reality for where labor was really going. Wilson showed a percentage chart for allocation of all employees. The increases are not in anticipation of hiring. Water was paying more than it should have been; now the funds have been allocated more correctly. With a small staff, the funds are spread out over a number of jobs, not just in one department.

Fund equity in General Fund will be above the 18%. Fund Equity is cash and assets. There was discussion about the amount of money that is projected to be - close to $1,000,000 budget with just less than $200,000 in the Fund Equity.  Doug Beecher suggested that Mayor cut 10% out of every cost but streets, debt services, and wages rather than 20% for the next draft. A lower budget bottom line would decrease the amount allowed in the fund equity. There was discussion about the format for the worksheet to see all the amounts. Wilson will keep the current flow, 2009-10 budget, this draft and a 3^rd draft.

Will keep working toward Truth in Taxation. There have probably been enough work meetings. Will keep budget hearings on track.

Adjourn: Motion by Councilmember Jensen, second by Councilmember Beecher. Motion carried unanimously. 7:45 p.m.

 

Minutes taken by June Jeffery.

Date Approved, March 3, 2010

Mayor, Karl Wilson

ATTEST:

June Jeffery, CMC

City Recorder