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Home » City Government » Council » Minutes Archives; 2000 - 2003 » 2001 Council Minutes » April 3, 2001
April 3, 2001
The Lindon City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, April 3, 2001 beginning at 7:00 P.M. in the Lindon City Center Council Chambers at 100 North State Street, Lindon, Utah.
Conducting: Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor
Pledge of Allegiance: James Gardner, Troop 496
Invocation: Toby Bath
PRESENT
Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor (arrived 7:33 P.M.)
Lindsey Bayless, Councilmember
Toby Bath, Councilmember
James A. Dain, Councilmember
Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator
Kevin Smith, Planning Director
Venla Gubler, Administrative Clerk ABSENT
Jeff Acerson, Councilmember
Jerald I. Hatch, Councilmember
The meeting began at 7:13 P.M.
MINUTES
Review of the Minutes of March 20, 2001
The review of the minutes of the regular meeting of March 20, 2001 was held. The following corrections were made:
Page 5, Line 12: Replace the word “THE” after the word “MOVED” with the word “TO.”
Page 8, Line 37: Add the sentence “COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS SECONDED THE MOTION.”
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2001 AS CORRECTED. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
OPEN SESSION - Citizens comments
There was no public comment.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS/REPORT
Mayor Pro Tem Dain excused Mayor Ellertson. He was going to be a little late. Mayor Pro Tem Dain reminded citizens of the predicted water shortage for this year. He cautioned Lindon residents to be frugal with their water resources. He asked the Scout Troop present to remind their parents to be careful also.
Mayor Pro Tem Dain welcomed Scout Troop 496 to the Lindon City Council Meeting.
Councilmember Bayless mentioned that she had observed a commercial business sprinkling the lawn during a rain storm recently. She suggested that businesses be made aware of the water shortage also.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items.
CURRENT BUSINESS
1. Continued Public Hearing - Lindon City General Plan - Revision. The City Council will hear public comment and possibly act to approve the proposed revised Lindon City General Plan. The last update was completed in 1995. This item has been continued from the meetings of January 16, 2001, February 6, 2001; February 20, 2001; March 6, 2001; and March 20, 2001.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO OPEN BOTH PUBLIC HEARINGS; THE LINDON CITY GENERAL PLAN REVISION AND AMENDED ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 17.46.100 ON DETACHED ACCESSORY APARTMENTS. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Planning Director Kevin Smith distributed updated copies of the new Lindon City General Plan Land Use Map. The Councilmembers discussed errors and changes in the map. Specifically mentioned were the properties: the Keetch Subdivision on 300 North and State Street being zoned commercial, 200 North moved further north of the Schaeffer property line, the north side of 600 North not showing as commercial, and the contour line 5420 being chosen as the dividing line between the OS and RM designation.
Ron Anderson, a property owner near Schaeffer, asked to have the 200 North street removed from his property. Mayor Pro Tem Dain commented that the road needed to go in that area somewhere. Mr. Smith observed that all General Plan roads are approximate locations. He theorized that City Engineer Dave Thurgood had chosen that location because of the sliver of land left as access to 1200 West across the Anderson’s property. Councilmember Bayless suggested that the road be moved to the property line between Andersons and Schaeffer. Mayor Pro Tem Dain agreed with this suggestion and commented that the property owners should realize that this location is approximate and will be determined by future development. Councilmember Bayless verified that Schaeffer had no present development plans for their property.
(Mayor Ellertson arrived at 7:33 P.M.)
Mr. Anderson requested that he be given the same consideration as Schaeffer’s request to not allow this road to bisect his property. Mayor Ellertson commented that the Council had previously decided to put the road on the property line. The Councilmembers discussed the possible extension of the road to 1200 West. Mr. Anderson observed that the road would need to cross the galvanizing yard before joining with 1200 West. He also commented that 1200 West would need to cross the Universal Industrial Supply yard before connecting between the current 400 North and the proposed 200 North. Mayor Ellertson confirmed the consensus of the Council to moved 200 North to the property line between Schaeffer and the Andersons.
Mayor Ellertson asked if the Council had discussed the revised commercial/residential line along State Street. The particulars were discussed and he found that his questions were answered. Mayor Ellertson initiated discussion on the Lindon City Park area of the map where it conjoins with the Utah County Feed and Seed property. Mr. Dameron suggested that the whole area be a designated park. Mr. Smith commented that although the designation of this parcel would be a city park, the commercial zoning would prevail. Mayor Ellertson observed that changing the designation appeared presumptuous on the part of the City, but the logical future of the parcel should be to add it to the park. The Councilmembers reached consensus to designate the Utah County Feed Store area as city park, but not to change the zoning and allow it to remain commercial.
Mayor Ellertson initiated discussion of the pathways and trails system map. Mr. Smith presented the corrected map and indicated that it included the permanently “striped” pathways discussed at the previous meeting. The Councilmembers discussed the possible new park location at approximately 100 North and 1200 East. Mayor Ellertson commented that the location was dependent on resolving issues of open space and/or developments east of 1200 East. Mr. Smith observed that he could show the entire possible location on the map. Mayor Ellertson agreed that it would end up somewhere in that area. He noted that a break in the park area should be shown for the house on the west side of 1200 East.
The ownership of the land around the landfill was questioned. Mr. Smith observed that the land was all owned by the landfill. Mayor Ellertson observed that the landfill was not city-owned. He also suggested that the Squaw Hollow debris basin be shown as city-owned land rather than Open Space. He questioned whether a possible future park that would be jointly owned by Pleasant Grove and Lindon at 200 East and 800 North should be shown. Mr. Dameron observed that the City had the “first right of refusal” on excess school district property. It was decided that plans for this park were too far into the future and not concrete enough to put on the map yet.
Councilmember Dain commented that he liked that the pathways and trails map showed the links and extensions of the regional trails through Lindon. Mr. Smith observed that showing the regional trail system links to the trail system in Lindon helped the City to qualify for grants. An observation was made that the trail along the Murdock Canal and through the “Hollow” appeared on the map. Mr. Dameron asked about the official name of the Geneva Park property. Councilmember Bath suggested that the name, Geneva Resort Historical Park, stay as mentioned in the General Plan. Councilmember Bayless suggested that a program or publication be assembled to show residents the trail system and suggests sites of historical or natural interest along the routes.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDED GENERAL PLAN WITH THE CHANGES AS DETAILED ABOVE AND THE CORRECTED DOCUMENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING FOR FINAL APPROVAL. COUNCILMEMBER DAIN SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
2. Continued Public Hearing - Amended Ordinance, Chapter 17.46.100 - Detached Accessory Apartments. The City Council will hear public comment and possibly act to approve a proposed amendment to Chapter 17.46.100 concerning detached accessory apartments. This public hearing was continued from the March 20, 2001 meeting to allow the Planning Commission time to hear the item and to make recommendation to the Council. The Planning Commission has now made a recommendation to the Council.
Mr. Smith introduced this item to the City Council by directing their attention to the proposed ordinance included in their packet. He noted that the proposed change was underlined and numbered eight and nine. He told the Councilmembers that this item was proposed because of a building permit application that included a garage with an apartment on the second floor attached to the main house by a breezeway. After discussion, the Planning Commission decided that the ordinance did not specifically prohibit detached apartments. The application was approved and it was decided to amend the ordinance to reflect a concrete policy on detached apartments. Mr. Smith observed that a lot of opinions had been aired at the Planning Commission meeting where this was discussed, but the majority of the Planning Commissioners agreed (4-2) to the amendment as written.
Councilmember Bayless mentioned that two of the Commissioners had approached her after the meeting. They expressed to her a concern that the limit of 30,000 square feet was too small, but rather than bogging down the process, voted for the amendment. Mayor Ellertson verified that if an apartment was built over a garage the height limit was 35 feet, and if the garage had no living quarters the height limit was 20 feet. Mr. Dameron verified that the detached building must meet minimum setbacks.
Mr. Smith explained Commissioner Nixon’s arguments for allowing detached apartments on 20,000 square foot lots. Commissioner Nixon asserted that a detached apartment over a garage would look like a garage. Councilmember Bayless repeated Commissioner Atchison’s comment that the “garage” would have people living in it. Mr. Smith passed along Commissioner Nixon’s rebuttal that there would be no more people there than if the apartment were in the main house in an accessory apartment. Councilmember Bayless asserted that the intent of the accessory apartment ordinance is to minimize the impact of higher density housing on the neighborhood by not allowing entrances to the front of the structures and maintaining the appearance of a single family residence. She admitted that she was struggling with the premises of this amendment and felt that this ordinance was an attempt to circumvent the stricter conditions of the R2 Overlay ordinance. She expressed the opinion that allowing detached apartments was allowing a property owner to build two homes on one lot.
Mr. Smith expressed the opinions of property owners that he had talked with on this issue. He told the Council that the property would still be owner-occupied as required by the accessory apartment ordinance. He presented possible circumstances that may arise: a 6-acre lot with a 15,000 square foot home and an 800 square foot bungalow, a pool house with a kitchen, and a detached garage with a temporary apartment that the owners intend to make into a bonus room when the main house is completed. He raised the possibility of an elderly family member needing to be close to the family, but wanting some independence. If the detached apartment is built, who is to decide that it can’t be rented out to someone other than a family member later. Councilmember Dain commented that a detached bedroom may fall into this category. Mayor Ellertson asked if there were already detached apartments in the city. Mr. Smith replied that the Chief Building Inspector Phil Brown had mentioned two detached apartments on ½ acre lots within Lindon that existed. He noted that they were not visible from the street so few people were aware of them.
Mayor Ellertson observed that he was hesitant to restrict the property rights of owners. Councilmember Bath commented that the extra people do impact traffic. Mayor Ellertson confirmed that all other requirements, such as the entrance not facing the street, would apply equally to attached and detached apartments. Mr. Smith observed that the City received only 5-8 accessory apartment applications per year, so if this amendment was not sufficient it could be changed again. Councilmember Bayless expressed concern that precedence would be set by allowing apartments that may be denied later. Mr. Smith replied that amending the ordinance does allow precedence to be set; it is a change in the code itself.
Councilmember Bath suggested that the minimum acreage be increased to 40,000 square feet. He observed that this change would keep the ½ acre density that is characteristic of Lindon. Councilmember Bayless agreed that the ordinance needed to be clarified. Mr. Smith observed that he could enforce a policy of no detached accessory apartments if the Council preferred, but then the Council would need to define how the apartments are attached to the main dwelling, i.e., by a wall or a breezeway of a certain length. He commented that the 30,000 square foot minimum lot size was a rough number and could be changed.
Councilmember Bayless observed that there were not many lots of 30,000 square feet or larger in Lindon, so that in itself would limit how many detached apartments were allowed. Mr. Smith was asked to estimate how many large lots were in Lindon. Mr. Smith roughly judged that 25% of the available lots were 30,000 square feet or larger. Mr. Dameron commented that the large lots in Canberra Heights were hillside lots with a designated building pad which would limit the number and size of buildings on those lots.
Mr. Smith observed that all the Planning Commissioners had agreed on allowing detached apartments in Lindon, but they could not decide the size of the lot on which they would be allowed. Councilmember Dain commented that he would like to have feedback from the absent Councilmembers and wondered about continuing this discussion to the next meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER DAIN MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING ON 17.46.100-ACCESSORY APARTMENTS ORDINANCE REVISION TO THE NEXT MEETING. THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.
Mayor Ellertson asked for another motion. There was no motion. Mr. Dameron was asked to put this item on the agenda for May 15, 2001.
COUNCILMEMBER DAIN MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARINGS. COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. Preliminary Plat - Walker Heights, Plat “C”. This is a request by Knight West Development Company for preliminary approval of Walker Heights, Plat “C”, a 2-lot subdivision at 500 North 800 East.
Mr. Smith introduced this item to the City Council. He said that this 2-lot subdivision had been approved by the Planning Commission. Mr. Smith commented that this was an interesting issue–grading had been done that was not approved. He added that Commissioner Nixon had expressed concern about the cut for 800 East and how it had been approved. He quoted from a memo written by City Engineer Mark Christensen on the approval process of cuts more than 20%. He listed the four conditions for approval imposed by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Christensen asked the Council if they had any questions for him. Mayor Ellertson asked Mr. Christensen to explain the cuts as shown on the plat maps and which were done without approvals. Mr. Christensen explained that Lot 1 is governed by the Hillside Ordinance which requires that a grading plan be approved before work is commenced. The grading that had been done was questionable and may not have been allowed. Mayor Ellertson asked if only one lot would have been developed if the grading would not have been done. Mr. Christensen replied that both lots would still have been developable, but more stringent restrictions on grading would have been applied to Lot 1. Mayor Ellertson asked about fines and penalties for the illegal grading. Mr. Smith observed that the City Attorney was being consulted on this issue.
Mayor Ellertson asked Mr. Christensen to explain the procedure for approval if this had been done properly. Mr. Christensen explained that the two to one cut shown was part of the approval for 800 East. He pointed out the longer dashed lines on the site map show the previous existing contours before grading; the shorter dashed lines indicate the present contours after grading; and, the darkened area identifies the approved cut for the road. He commented that the site plan had been evaluated for the Hillside Ordinance by the previous contour lines with the approved cut. One lot was determined to be governed by the Hillside Ordinance and one was not. He indicated that this was counterintuitive to the appearance of the lots because Lot 2 is steeper. He explained that the Hillside Ordinance calculations determine the average slope after all areas of 30% slope or greater are excluded. If the remaining average is greater than 20%, the provisions of the Hillside Ordinance are applied, including showing a buildable pad.
Mayor Ellertson observed that illegal grading could potentially be used to develop land that may not be developable otherwise. Mr. Dameron commented that, in this case, he felt it was not the intent of the owner to circumvent city ordinances. Mr. Christensen agreed and observed that this developer was in a hurry to record and so pulled out these steeper areas that could have presented difficulties to development of Plat A.
Councilmember Bath asked if the City could require measures to stop the erosion permanently. Mayor Ellertson asked about the Planning Commission’s requirement to have the developer submit a plan to restore natural vegetation. Mr. Christensen commented that the Planning Commission is trying to accomplish permanent control of erosion with their conditions that apply to both lots, not just the one under the Hillside Ordinance. Mr. Smith agreed with this assessment. Mr. Christensen commented that these conditions were no guarantee that the homeowner will maintain the permanent erosion control plan. The developer has attempted temporary erosion control and has revegetated the slopes to a fair degree, however, there has been some oak brush removed. Mayor Ellertson observed that the temporary erosion control plan will be replaced by a permanent plan when the homes are built and new site plans submitted. Mr. Christensen recommended that a revegetation plan be part of the final subdivision approval and that it will need to be maintained and monitored, and added to or changed as needed.
Councilmember Bath questioned how long the monitoring would continue. Mr. Christensen replied that it would continue until the homes are built and a permanent plan implemented. He suggested that the city have recourse to bonding if the controls are not maintained. Councilmember Dain suggested that the city make certain that the homeowner knows of this requirement. Mr. Smith suggested a note on the plat and a notice of interest at the County Recorder’s Office. Councilmember Bath observed that the homeowners would also be applying for building permits from the City.
Councilmember Dain verified that the driveways are graded in at less than 12% and their location. He suggested a note on the plat that this is the approved driveway and cannot be changed. Mr. Christensen observed that the driveways are already built and there is no other way to the buildable pads.
Councilmember Bayless verified that the City Attorney had not tendered an opinion yet on the fines and penalties that may have been incurred by the illegal grading. Mayor Ellertson invited Mr. Bill West to join the discussion. Mr. West apologized and told the City Council that he did not realize he was violating an ordinance by grading the lots because he did not know there was a Hillside Ordinance. He commented that he had dealt with four consulting engineers and two Federal agencies to develop Plat A. Mr. West explained that when the cut for the road was made it was not finished to specifications, but just cut enough to let the road through. When the operator came back to finish the cut, Mr. West had instructed him to cut the pads and driveways at the same time and save him coming back later.
Mr. West told the Council that he had reseeded the property last March to try revegetating the slopes. However, there had been no rain after the reseeding and so it had been slow in stopping erosion. They had used straw, plastic, fencing and cleaned the drains to try and be proactive, rather than reactive to the erosion situation. He asserted that they were trying to do it right.
Councilmember Dain asked for the size of the lots. The map was examined and the lot size determined. Mr. West explained that agreements had been reached with the Melhoff’s to the east and the Worthington’s on the southeast to solve boundary disputes.
Mayor Ellertson reviewed the Planning Commission’s conditions. He noted that no answer had been received from Mr. Duval on condition #1-the assessment of fines and penalties. He observed that condition #2 was sufficient for the time being since Mr. West has attempted to control the erosion. Mr. West commented that this vegetation was somewhat temporary until the homeowner finished the lot landscaping. It was determined that the vegetation was permanent enough to last until it was built on. Mayor Ellertson discussed condition #3 and the bond that would be required to maintain the erosion controls. It was determined that the bond would be a temporary bond with an indefinite period. It would be held until the landscaping matured or the lot is built on. The bond would be based on an estimate prepared by JUB Engineers.
Mayor Ellertson asked about the timetable for Mr. Duval’s opinion. Mr. Smith replied that it would probably be a week or two. Mayor Ellertson asked if this item would need to be continued to wait for that opinion. Mr. Smith answered that this decision was not affected by the legal action and was independent. Mayor Ellertson wished to clarify that there may be additional costs due to the city for administrative costs separate from the misdemeanor action. Mr. Christensen commented that the final plat approval would be held until the issue was resolved.
Mayor Ellertson verified that this subdivision would have been allowed even if no illegal grading had taken place and the proper procedures had been followed. Mr. Christensen confirmed that even at worst case-that both lots would have been under the restrictions of the Hillside Ordinance–the Planning Commission had recommended that Lot #2 be treated as if it were under these provisions the same as Lot #1. Mayor Ellertson commented that the Planning Commission conditions will protect the citizens. Councilmember Dain observed that to delay approval would not solve the problems and the legal issue would be pursued separately.
COUNCILMEMBER DAIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE REQUEST BY BILL WEST FOR PRELIMINARY SUBDIVISION APPROVAL FOR WALKER HEIGHTS, PLAT “C” WITH THE CONDITIONS SET BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION, AND THAT ALL FINES, PENALTIES AND REIMBURSEMENTS ARE SETTLED, AND DISCLOSURE NOTES ADDED TO THE PLAT BEFORE IT IS RECORDED. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
Councilmember Dain questioned Mr. West on his intentions for the property near the Arctic Circle, where Lindon had allowed the boundaries to be moved for Pleasant Grove to service. Mr. West acknowledged that he had made a commitment for no more units, “for the time being.” He felt he had waited 6-7 years, but would not wait forever. Mr. Dameron verified that Mr. West planned to build two more four-plexes. Councilmember Dain observed that if Lindon had known of his intentions, they would have run the utilities and not changed the boundaries.
4. Review and Action - Final Report - Traffic Circle at 400 North and 400 East. The city engineers will present the final report on the traffic circle located at 400 North and 400 East. The traffic circle was installed on a temporary test basis in August of 2000. The final report will include volume and speed analyses and an accident evaluation. The Council may decide whether to eliminate the traffic circle or improve the circle as a permanent facility.
Mr. Christensen informed the Council that the traffic circle had been constructed in August of 2000 and had been in place for eight months now. Mayor Ellertson asked when the bridge on 400 East to Pleasant Grove had been opened. It was decided that the bridge was opened in the Summer of 1999.
Mr. Christensen reminded the Council that the plan had been to evaluate the traffic circle after eight months of use. He discussed the traffic volume study in the prepared report. He reported that the increase of traffic volume was about 20%, which was larger than expected. He attributed the larger than expected volumes to the attraction of a shorter, straighter route from the Pleasant Grove foothills to the commercial/business districts of State Street and Orem. Mayor Ellertson theorized that as time passed, word of mouth news of this route had time to promulgate. Mr. Christensen discussed the traffic circle’s effect on speeds. He noted a minor decrease in average speeds on 400 East, but not on 400 North. Councilmember Dain confirmed that asked if the decrease in speed was statistically different significant. Mr. Dameron asked Mr. Christensen to discuss the times of day that the speed studies were conducted. Mr. Christensen listed the times the samples were taken and commented that peak hours were included. Councilmember Dain asked if the studies were concluded when a certain number of samples were obtained, or for a predetermined amount of time. Mr. Christensen informed the Council that the samples counted were the cars that were “free-flowing” and unaffected by other cars.
Mr. Christensen discussed the accident records of the intersection. He reported that before the traffic circle was installed, two accidents were reported–one a DUI and one because of icy conditions. He reported that since the traffic circle installation, four accidents had been reported. Three of those accidents were as a result of failure to yield, only one of which had personal injuries. He observed that traffic circles have been shown to be safer in national studies. Mayor Ellertson asked if these accidents may be attributed to the temporary nature of the circle. Mr. Christensen thought that the accident rate may be correctable through education, enforcement, and permanent measures to channel the traffic. Councilmember Dain commented that a motorist had reported to him that a policeman had directed him to yield to the right. He suggested that education of the Police may be necessary also.
Mr. Christensen discussed the responses to the public survey. He reported that the survey had been conducted door to door for two blocks in each direction from the intersection. He commented that about ½ of the residents were home and answered the survey. He noted the similar numbers of those who supported the permanent placement of the traffic circle and those who would not recommend placement of more within the city. He directed the Council’s attention to the comments from the residents concerning improper yielding and maneuvering of motorists through the traffic circle.
Councilmember Dain commented that responses to him personally were only favorable about one in 50. Councilmember Bayless observed that human nature is to voice complaints, not approval.
Mr. Christensen discussed the study recommendations. He stated that traffic circles are theoretically safer. He presented the diagram for an urban compact roundabout. Mr. Dameron confirmed that this design contained “splitter islands.” Mr. Christensen noted the “splitter islands” and the pedestrian crosswalks included in the design. Councilmember Bayless commented that crosswalks were the downfall of the present temporary circle. She felt the absence of crosswalks did not give this pilot program a fair evaluation by Lindon residents. Mr. Christensen agreed. He suggested that if the City Council did make the traffic circle permanent, they adopt this design that protects pedestrians. He noted that there was a greater cost because of more curbs, gutter and splitter islands. Councilmember Dain asked if the design should include concrete sidewalks when the street itself did not have any. He suggested that a safe place to cross the road be provided, but sidewalks not be included in the design. Mr. Christensen conceded that may be an option to cut costs. Councilmember Dain observed that when the intersection is finished, heavy trucks will have more room to negotiate the turns. Mr. Christensen confirmed that the intersection would be finished and the center island would have a rolled curb. Councilmember Dain asked how far this design would encroach on the surrounding properties. Mr. Christensen asserted that this design would fit into the 66-foot collector right-of-way.
Mr. Christensen listed the benefits of permanently installing the traffic circle. He told the Council that if they wished to reduced accidents in the long term, reduce “stacking” delays, reduce average speeds slightly, benefit the environment by reducing pollution, noise, and improving the aesthetic appearance of the city–they should permanently improve the traffic circle. Mr. Dameron commented that in a conversation with the Provo City Engineer, the comment had been made that “stacking” of motorists in peak hours had been solved by installing traffic circles so the traffic “flows.” Councilmember Dain agreed with this premise. Mr. Christensen asserted that the public response survey concluded that the residents apparently support the traffic circle.
Mayor Ellertson promoted education and enforcement. Councilmember Dain observed that the permanent design would be larger. Mr. Christensen confirmed that the new design would have a larger inside and outside radius. Mayor Ellertson asked the residence address of the accident victims. It was determined that two were from Pleasant Grove and the third was unknown.
Randy Child of 490 N 400 E, commented that making the circle larger would make a marked difference in the maneuvering of traffic through the circle. Mark Clements of 540 N 400 E, observed that motorists did not have to slow down, just dodge, to maneuver the present design. Mr. Child observed that the splitter islands would require motorists to slow down. He suggested a yield sign that specified “yield to the left.” Mr. Clement said that the present design allowed the motorist who got there first and was fastest got to get the right-of-way. Teresa Griffin of 525 N 400 E, commented that she appreciated the striping on the sides of the road. It made the road seem narrower and did help slow motorists. She felt that the cement islands would help also. She observed that motorists did not know how to use their blinkers at the traffic circle to indicate which direction they wished to take. Mr. Christensen commented that making the circle larger would help slow the traffic. Ms. Griffin commented that motorists seem to follow the lead car rather than yielding to traffic from the other directions.
Dave Anderson of 480 N 400 E, observed that he did not care for the traffic circle. He asserted that his daughter did not feel safe crossing the intersection. He commented that the new crosswalk design may help. He didn’t feel that it slowed traffic because motorists accelerate out of the circle fast. He observed that he had moved to 400 E when it was a dead-end street. The opening of the bridge has increased not only the number of cars but the speed.
Mr. Child asked if speed humps could be used in conjunction with the traffic circle to slow motorists. Mr. Christensen explained the 400 North and 400 East were designated by the Public Safety Department as primary response routes and therefore would not be recommended for speed humps. Mr. Griffin suggested a double yellow line for 400 East similar to the street on the Pleasant Grove side of the street. Ms. Griffin pointed out that 900 East in Lindon has a double yellow line and wondered about turning left across the line. Mayor Ellertson commented that turning left over a double yellow line was illegal but may be safer. Mr. Christensen disagreed and observed that motorists would not be expecting a left turn because it is illegal. Ms. Griffin commented how hard it was to back out of their driveway because of the speeding. Mr. Griffin observed that motorists coming off the hill would coast at 47 mph past their house. Ms. Griffin commented that she had observed no reduction of speed. Mayor Ellertson admitted the reduction was very slight and noted that the speed trailer kept a log of motorists speeds. He commented that a pedestrian often viewed motorists as traveling faster than their actual speeds.
Councilmember Dain commented that since the fine for speeding in a school zone was raised to $200, motorists had made an effort to slow their speeds. Mr. Child commented that if the traffic circle was installed properly, speeds would slow down. Councilmember Dain observed that if enough tickets were issued and the speed enforced, motorists would slow down. Mr. Griffin commented that all of Pleasant Grove’s Blackhawk area used this access to their subdivision. Councilmember Dain commented that people from Cedar Hills were using this access to Orem also. Mr. Griffin suggested that enforcing the speed limit would change motorists’ habits. Mayor Ellertson observed that the speeding was a concern to all the residents of the area with or without the traffic circle.
Mr. Christensen reread the recommendations for having a traffic circle. He then told the Council that if their immediate concern was short term decrease in accidents, a more pedestrian-friendly intersection, lower construction costs, and convenient maintenance they should opt for a stop controlled intersection. He warned the Council though that the intersection did not warrant a 4-way stop, only 2-way on 400 East. Mayor Ellertson commented on the stacking that would occur at the stop sign. Councilmember Dain observed the stacking that already occurs at the intersection of 200 South and 400 East.
Mr. Christensen commented that the capacity of the traffic circle was not a critical issue, but it did not have unlimited potential. Mr. Griffin expressed concern about the speed of traffic if it was not stopped on 400 North. He wondered if the speeds would increase to the point the street would be made wider and make it a through street. Ms. Griffin asked about putting traffic circles in series and recommended another on 600 North or Center or Canal Drive. Mr. Griffin asked if Pleasant Grove would consider building a traffic circle on their side. Mr. Christensen reported that the City had discussed this issue with Pleasant Grove and they were not favorable. Mr. Clement asked how Pleasant Grove had justified a speed hump on their side of 400 East. Councilmember Dain observed that he felt the police were absolutely fair and did not favor one community over another. Ms. Griffin agreed. Mr. Griffin also agreed. Mayor Ellertson commented that traffic calming was a work in progress.
Mr. Christensen asked the City Council what their intent was concerning the traffic circle. Did they want to make the traffic circle permanent? Did they want to consider more traffic circles elsewhere in the city? The City Council discussed ways to make the traffic circle more economical. Mayor Ellertson observed that JUB consider the City Council favorable to this concept and the first step of implementation is to consider the costs.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO DIRECT JUB TO PROVIDE COST ESTIMATES TO FULLY IMPROVE AND PERMANENTLY CONSTRUCT AN URBAN COMPACT ROUNDABOUT IN THE INTERSECTION OF 400 NORTH AND 400 EAST. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
5. Review and Action - Financial Contribution - “Senior Project” Program at Pleasant Grove Senior High School. The City Council heard a presentation from Clark Blaisdell of Pleasant Grove Senior High School during the last Council meeting. Mr. Blaisdell has requested a contribution from the city for this program in the amount of $500.
Mayor Ellertson commented that Mr. Blaisdell had appeared at the last City Council meeting to request this donation for the Senior Projects Program. He commented that he feels this program is of benefit to the students of Lindon and he would hope to make this contribution to the students’ education. Councilmember Dain observed that this contribution was in support of education for Lindon students and complemented the existing program for elementary students.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF $500 TO THE PLEASANT GROVE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL EARMARKED FOR THE SENIOR PROJECTS PROGRAM. COUNCILMEMBER DAIN SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
WATER, GENERAL PLAN, BUILDING INSPECTION, ENGINEERING
Councilmember Dain reiterated his appeal to Lindon residents to conserve the precious resource–our water.
SEWER, SOLID WASTE, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
Councilmember Hatch was excused.
TRAILS, PLANNING, ZONING, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, ADMINISTRATION
Councilmember Bayless had nothing to report.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PUBLIC SAFETY AND COURT
Councilmember Bath reported that the police department was concerned about the rash of damages caused by wrist rockets breaking windows around town. He also reported that the person who had damaged the speed trailer had been apprehended.
PARKS, RECREATION, EMERGENCY MNGMNT, LINDON FAIR, NEWSLETTER
Councilmember Acerson was absent.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Dameron:
1. Reminded the Council of the Utah League of Cities and Towns Conference in St. George Wednesday, April 4th through Friday, April 6th, 2001.
2. Reported that the Coordination Meeting with Pleasant Grove City officials was scheduled for Monday, April 9th at 3:30 P.M. in the Pleasant Grove Community Center Conference Room.
3. Announced the Lindon City Easter Egg Hunt to be held April 14, 2001 at 9:00 A.M.
4. Reported that he was following up with Chief Building Inspector Phil Brown to work up an estimate of costs to finish the basement to submit to the Utah Commission on Volunteerism.
5. Announced that Spring Street Sweeping was completed. Return passes would be done as time allows.
6. Reported that some good comment and input had resulted from the Parks Open House held at the City Center. Mayor Ellertson commented on the good showing of residents. Councilmember Dain observed that he was unaware that the park property meant so much to so many.
7. Added two more names to the Recreation Task Force being assembled by Recreation Director Kim Walker.
8. Reported that the Health Insurance company insuring Lindon City employees had announced a 12% increase in health insurance premiums for this coming fiscal year. The family premium would increase from $560 to $629 per month. The dental premium would go from $84 to $80. He reported that cost estimates from IHC and Blue Cross were still being obtained.
9. Reported that Orem and Lehi were not interested in a long-term lease of Lindon City’s water in the Jordanelle Reservoir. If Lindon would sell the water rights, the cities would be interested in buying.
10. Reported that the MAG priority project’s list recommended the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for full funding and the Timp-Lake Trail for partial funding within six years.
11. Announced two unplanned water line projects because of leaks: one on 1200 West at about 300 North to 500 North, and the other on Geneva Road and 100 North. He estimated a cost of $75,000 to complete both projects.
12. Reported that Mr. Williamson was evaluating the need for irrigation water to the property by the I-15 Interchange project. The estimate is $75,000 to help pump the water. However, Mr. Williamson has had offers to develop the land and may not farm this year.
13. Announced that the closing on the Clegg and Wilson properties had taken place April 2. He suggested a walkthrough tour to estimate the costs to make the house usable.
14. Asked Mayor Ellertson to suggest a date and time to meet with Johanssen Thackeray for an update. Mayor Ellertson listed several dates that may be suitable.
15. Requested an update on the tree grant from UP&L. Mayor Ellertson reported that there was no word yet.
Mayor Ellertson announced that COG had changed their meeting so the monthly City-Wide Open House scheduled for April 12 would need to be cancelled. It was determined that the Open House had already been announced in the City Utility Bill, so Councilmember Dain offered to conduct this meeting.
Mayor Ellertson reported that he was continuing to garner legislative support for completing the roads from the new I-15 Interchange to Lindon City. He had met with the North County Representation this afternoon and commented that they were receptive.
COUNCILMEMBER DAIN MOVED TO APPROVE THE PAY VOUCHERS, COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 11:16 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVED - April 17, 2001
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Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator/Recorder
Attest:
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Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor |
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