PUBLIC HEARING AND CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Tuesday, January 16, 2007 7:00 p.m.
Public Safety Building
3925 W Cedar Hills Drive, Cedar Hills, Utah
This meeting was held electronically via telephone to permit one or more of the council members to participate.
Present: Mayor Mike McGee, Presiding
Council Members: Gary Maxwell, Jim Perry, Eric Richardson, Charelle Bowman, (by phone)
Konrad Hildebrandt, City Manager
Kim Holindrake, City Recorder
David Bunker, City Engineer
David Taylor, Assistant to the City Manager
Rodney Despain, City Planner (7:30 p.m.)
Courtney Hammond, City Meeting Transcriber
Eric Johnson, City Counsel
Others: Cliff Chandler, Joyce Chandler, Ryan Liddiard, Cecil Read, Troy Watkins, Melissa Willie, David Kirkpatrick, Jill Griffiths, Andrea Nelson, Mary Bronson, Mark George, Caleb Warnock, Steve Gehrke, Spencer Jenson, Tyler George, Charl Louw, Zack Meinzer, Eric Seamons, Karissa Neely - Lone Peak Press, Gary Hilton
PUBLIC HEARING
1. This Public Hearing of the City Council of the City of Cedar Hills, having been posted throughout the City and the press notified, was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Mayor McGee.
2. Proposed 4800 West Annexation (Located at Approximately 4700 to 4800 West and 9880 to 10000 North) (7:11 p.m.)
No comments.
3. This Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:12 p.m. by Mayor McGee.
COUNCIL MEETING
1. This meeting of the City Council of the City of Cedar Hills, having been posted throughout the City and the press notified, was called to order at 7:12 p.m. by Mayor McGee.
Invocation given by C. Maxwell
Pledge of Allegiance
2. Public Comment (7:13 p.m.)
Jill Griffiths - Ms. Griffiths asked the Council for a special exclusion for hours of operation for her home business. She would like to start her personal training and small group exercise business at 6:00 a.m. The majority of her clients work out before work. Mayor McGee said Ms. Griffiths can propose a change to the ordinance after she completes all the items necessary for her business license. C. Perry said he would like to see compliance in every other aspect. C. Richardson said any change to the ordinance would have to go to the Planning Commission first.
CONSENT AGENDA
3. Minutes from the January 2, 2007, Regular City Council Meeting (7:20 p.m.)
MOTION: C. Perry - To approve the minutes from the January 2, 2007, Regular City Council Meeting. Seconded by C. Richardson.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
SCHEDULED ITEMS
4. Review/Action on Golf Course Management (7:20 p.m.)
Staff Report:
See handouts. Konrad Hildebrandt stated that there are two possible scenarios for golf course management. Option A is to renew the contract with RC Management. This option was explored in the January 2 Council meeting. Option B is to bring the golf course management in-house. David Taylor gave a presentation on the two options. Also, a final decision on golf cart replacement needs to be made by February. David Taylor recommends replacing 72 of the 82 carts. It will add $11,000/year to the lease. With either option, the City wants to implement better accounting software to increase internal controls. Option B would include an exit strategy. By February 1, a full-time staff would be hired and there would be a management transition. The benefits for in-house management include: City control, total accountability for the pro shop and maintenance, and added value. Negatives: transition stage, possible negative impact on the course, and the need to hire a superintendent. Under Option B there would be four, full-time positions: golf director, golf assistant, superintendent and mechanic. These positions would fall under the current pay scale and would ramp up customer service.
David Taylor stated that he feels that either option can be a good option. RC Management has done a good job. Under the current option, the City bore the risk. If Option A is chosen, the contract should be restructured. Konrad Hildebrandt said that he feels that the City has a great course, but it can be better. A clubhouse would improve the course. Better management, through option A or B, could benefit the City. The question is whether the Council wants more control. He thinks that RC Management has experience and potential; however, under their management net revenues have decreased.
Council Discussion:
• C. Perry said that he appreciates all that RC Management has done, but he does not see the course operating any better than before they started managing the course. The City loses efficiency by using a management company. He does not like that the City owns the golf course, nor that the City Council is involved with the management of the golf course.
• C. Richardson stated that he sees pros and cons to both options. Under the current arrangement, the City bears the financial risk without having control of the course. He doesn’t know if City management is the answer. He does not want to see the course run by a committee. The best solution would be to enter into a long-range agreement, but it is not possible when there are so many possibilities with the future of the course.
• C. Maxwell said his concern with getting into a contract is that it might limit the City’s options with the golf course. He would prefer the City run the course until the Council can decide what to do with the golf course. He feels City management would allow more flexibility.
• C. Bowman said that the decision comes down to accountability and control. Ultimately, the City is responsible. At the same time, she wonders if the City is adequately prepared to do it.
MOTION: C. Perry - To pursue option B and bring the golf course management internal to the City, and continue to review the issue, especially post-reconfiguration. As the City gets its long-term plan established, the Council can re-evaluate. At this time of transition the City is better served by having this internal. Seconded by C. Maxwell.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
Further Discussion:
• C. Maxwell said that he feels that the City has some things to resolve. He feels that City management of the course is not a long-term solution.
• C. Richardson said he doesn’t know how to structure a contract right now. There are too many other issues to resolve.
• C. Perry added that as a tax-exempt entity, there are legal restrictions to structuring a contract with a management company.
The Council will meet on Thursday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. for a Special Meeting to create full-time positions for golf course management.
5. Review/Action on Final Acceptance of Subdivision Improvements and Beginning of Durability for The Cedars, Plat J-1 (7:56 p.m.)
Staff Report:
See handouts. David Bunker stated that the final walkthrough for this subdivision was done a few months ago. Bayhill Drive was resurfaced by the developer and all items on the punch list were corrected. Many of the problems with the street, manholes, and curb and gutter had to do with soil compaction. The subdivision is ready to start durability and that is staff’s recommendation.
Council Discussion:
• C. Perry said that in this subdivision there seemed to be a systemic failure of some kind. David Bunker said that soil issues may have led to many of the problems in this subdivision.
• C. Richardson said that he remembered resident feedback about lots being used as dumping grounds. David Bunker said all the lots have now been built on or are clear of debris.
MOTION: C. Richardson - To approve acceptance of subdivision improvements, release of the performance guarantee, and the start of the durability period for The Cedars subdivision, Plat J-1. Seconded by C. Maxwell.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
6. Review/Action on Ordinance Adopting the 4800 West Annexation (8:07 p.m.)
Staff Report:
See handouts. Kim Holindrake stated that no protests were received from property owners or affected entities. There were no comments made in the public hearing.
MOTION: C. Richardson - To approve Ordinance 1-16-2007A, An Ordinance Annexing Certain Properties to the City of Cedar Hills, Utah (4800 West Annexation) and Establishing the Zone Classification for said Property. Seconded by C. Bowman. Vote taken by roll call.
Council Discussion:
• Jim Perry stated that the property is owned by the City, but it has been in the county for several years. The City is now getting to the point to annex it into the City. There is no specific reason for bringing the land in now.
• Mayor McGee said the reason the City is annexing the land is in an attempt to bring all City-owned land into the City.
• C. Richardson said that zoning the land commercial makes it the same as the land around it.
Aye-C. Bowman
Aye - C. Maxwell
Aye - C. Perry
Aye - C. Richardson Motion passes.
7. Review/Action on Decisions 2006, Phase 2 (8:10 p.m.)
See handouts.
MOTION: C. Perry - To table Item #7 based on Konrad Hildebrandt’s recommendation that the Council discuss it at a later date. Seconded by C. Richardson.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
8. Review/Action on Board/Committee Appointments - Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Parks/Trails Committee (8:10 p.m.)
Staff Report:
See handouts. Mayor McGee stated that several applications were received for the Planning Commission vacancy. Cliff Chandler filled Gary Maxwell’s position and then the term ended. He has reapplied for another term. Mayor McGee’s recommendation is that Cliff Chandler fill the vacancy. There are two alternate positions open as well. Mayor McGee has not had a chance to interview the alternate candidates yet.
Council Discussion:
• C. Perry said that he likes that Cliff speaks up and lets his voice be heard. He has chewed C. Perry out for some things that he does not like in the City, and C. Perry appreciates it.
• C. Maxwell stated that Cliff spends the time necessary to go through the information and really cares about the City.
MOTION: C. Richardson - To approve the Mayor’s recommendation to appoint Cliff Chandler to the Planning Commission with a term ending December 31, 2009. Seconded by C. Perry.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
Mayor McGee stated that one application was received for the Parks and Trails Committee. The application was from Peter Karp.
MOTION: C. Perry - To affirm Mayor McGee’s recommendation of Peter Karp to the Parks and Trails Committee with a term ending December 31, 2009. Seconded by C. Bowman.
C. Richardson said it is disappointing that there are not more applicants and that Mr. Karp was not present tonight.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
Mayor McGee said there are two vacancies on the Board of Adjustments. The Board meets only once or twice a year. Staff is looking at other options to create an appeal authority. This may be filled by the City Council. To be effective, the person needs to be well versed on the City’s ordinances. In order to allow the position to be filled by the City Council, the City code will need to be amended. It will be on a future agenda.
9. City Manager Report and Discussion (8:20 p.m.)
• Monthly Management Reports are out.
• A final draft of the recreation survey will be presented at the next meeting.
• The City is going to train staff in different positions in the emergency preparedness plan. Konrad Hildebrandt suggested appointing a Council Member as an Emergency Preparedness liaison. There is federal money and state money that can pay for training and a contract position for an emergency preparedness coordinator. That appointment and creation of an emergency preparedness committee will be on a future agenda.
• Eric Johnson and Kim Holindrake will look into The Cedars East fencing restrictions.
• C. Richardson said that he is glad that the City is doing more traffic patrolling. He wants more data on the stop sign citations. Is Oak Road and Cedar Hills Drive a true problem area in the City or is it just a good place to cite a lot of people? Konrad Hildebrandt said that he has talked with Sergeant Richins about patrolling the biggest problem sites in the City.
• C. Richardson would like to see some more information about recycling and garbage charges from Waste Management.
• C. Richardson asked that the Earthtec and AMEC reports be placed online because they are requested so frequently through GRAMA requests.
• C. Maxwell asked for an updated estimate of revenue from building permits for this year.
MAYOR’S REPORT/ITEMS REFERRED BY CITY COUNCIL
10. Board and Committee Reports (8:47 p.m.)
• C. Bowman: She asked for input on a contest to name the new parks. The Council does not want to commit itself to naming the park one of the suggestions from the contest. David Bunker suggested naming a park after the street it is on. The Council decided that there should be no contest; City Council will decide the park name.
• C. Maxwell: The golf committee did not meet.
• C. Perry: His committees did not meet. He suggested that the City Council and/or Planning Commission receive training regarding zoning and land use and the commercial development zone.
• C. Richardson: There were two site plan meetings with potential developers. They will present at the Planning Commission meeting on January 25.
• Mayor McGee: He attended a transportation meeting. They are making some adjustments to transportation plans based on input from public elected officials. Mayor McGee made some comments about some DUI improvements to state law along with tightening immigration.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
11. Motion to go into Executive Session, Pursuant to Utah State Code 52-4-5 (9:13 p.m.)
Utah State Code 52-4-5 designates specific parameters for which a Closed Meeting/Executive Session may be held. This Executive Session was held to discuss the following: Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation and strategy sessions to discuss the purchase, exchange or lease of real property.
MOTION: C. Perry - To go into Executive Session, Pursuant to Utah State Code 52-4-5. Seconded by C. Richardson.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
* * * EXECUTIVE SESSION * * *
12. Motion to Adjourn Executive Session and Reconvene City Council Meeting (10:01 p.m.)
MOTION: C. Richardson - To adjourn Executive Session and reconvene City Council Meeting. Seconded by C. Maxwell.
Aye-C. Bowman
C. Maxwell
C. Perry
C. Richardson Motion passes.
ADJOURNMENT
13. This meeting was adjourned at 10:01 p.m. on a motion by C. Richardson, seconded by C. Bowman and unanimously approved.
/s/ Kim E. Holindrake
Kim E. Holindrake, City Recorder
Approved by Council:
February 6, 2007