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Home » City Government » Council » Minutes Archives; 2000 - 2003 » 2001 Council Minutes » January 2, 2001
January 2, 2001
The Lindon City Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2001 beginning at 6:00 P.M. in the Lindon City Center, Council Chambers at 100 North State Street, Lindon Utah.
PRESENT ABSENT
Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor James A. Dain, Councilmember
Jeff Acerson, Councilmember
Toby Bath, Councilmember (arrived at 6:58 P.M.)
Lindsey Bayless, Councilmember
Jerald I. Hatch, Councilmember
Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator
Venla Gubler, Administrative Clerk
WORK SESSION - 6 P.M.
The City Council will meet with the City Traffic Engineer to discuss the latest draft of a Traffic Calming Program for Lindon City.
The Work Session was commenced at 6:16 P.M. City Engineer Mark Christensen was present to present the November 2000 draft of the Lindon City Traffic Calming Program. Mr. Christensen began by pointing out the changes between the draft of May 2000 and the new draft of November 2000. He noted the addition of Paragraph 2 to Page 2 talking about the types of streets on which traffic calming measures are implemented. The Councilmembers discussed the designations of streets as major or minor collectors, and local (neighborhood) streets. Several major collectors were identified on a map of the city. Mr. Christensen noted that Paragraph 3 had been inserted here on Page 2 and removed from a later page. He pointed out the different headings and formatting on the descriptions of traffic calming measures. The picture denoted as a “half closure” on Page 4 was revealed to really be a “diagonal diverter.” The Councilmembers discussed “half closures” and how they are used.
Mr. Christensen discussed Page 5, Paragraph 1 “Traffic Calming for Major Collectors.” Discussion of the methods preferred for major collectors was held. Enforcement was discussed. Mayor Ellertson requested a summary report of radar trailer locations. The Councilmembers discussed how re-striping influenced driver behavior. Emergency response routes were noted in the new Appendix A.
Point assignments in the selection and prioritization rounds of the project procedures from Page 7 were discussed. Mr. Christensen and the Councilmembers discussed the basis for point assignment and the changes made in the “speed” and “pedestrian facilities” sections. Mayor Ellertson inquired where the idea for this prioritization table had originated. Mr. Christensen informed him that the basic plans and procedures were from a similar program in Portland, Oregon but had been adjusted to fit Lindon’s needs. Mr. Dameron clarified that points were added if there were no continuous sidewalks on a street. The extra points made the street a higher priority. Mr. Christensen discussed sidewalks and pedestrian safety. Mayor Ellertson observed that he felt comfortable walking the wide shoulders of Center Street although there was no sidewalk there. Designation of Center Street as a pedestrian route was discussed. The planned trail on Center Street was introduced into the discussion of pedestrian routes. Mr. Christensen explained that pedestrian route designation is for streets that may never have sidewalks. He added that priority points are assigned to streets without sidewalks because pedestrians are closer to the road. Pedestrians also do not have the protection of a curb, and so the street may need more traffic calming measures.
Mayor Ellertson noted that the procedures listed on pages 8, 9, and 10 could be discussed later with Appendix B “Local and Minor Collector Street Flow Chart.” Pilot Testing was discussed as a temporary installation to determine the effectiveness of a particular traffic calming measure. The traffic circle at 400 North 400 East was noted as a pilot test with a few months remaining in the evaluation phase. The addition of the “Major Collector Street Procedure” to the report was noted by Mr. Christensen.
“Funding Programs” on Page 11 were discussed. Mr. Christensen noted the addition of the sentence concerning Lindon City being responsible for maintaining traffic calming measures. The three options of “citizen only,” “shared between citizens and city,” and “city only” funding were discussed. Councilmember Acerson inquired into the funding of measures for major collectors being the full responsibility of the City. He noted that the traffic calming measures recommended for major collectors are possibly less expensive and less extensive. The Councilmembers discussed making all three options available for all the designations of streets. It was decided to take out the headings and make all the options available for all designations of streets.
Mr. Dameron asked the Council if they were comfortable with the percentages listed in the “shared funding” option. Mayor Ellertson requested the addition of the phrase “up to” before “65%.” Mayor Ellertson asked if the availability of the citizens funding share of a project changed the priority and automatically obligated the city to pay out its share to complete the project. Mr. Christensen said that availability of funding was not a part of the selection or prioritization rounds. Funding availability only determined how many projects from the list of priorities were completed in a year. Mr. Dameron suggested holding the citizen funding share in escrow until that particular project became the next priority.
Councilmember Acerson asked how the specific traffic calming measures were determined for a project. He suggested that since the traffic calming measure of paint striping to narrow a street was so affordable, that this measure could perhaps be used city-wide. Mr. Dameron responded that each project should be evaluated on its own merits and the traffic engineer would make suggestions for specific traffic calming measures on specific streets. Councilmember Acerson was concerned that some projects may be put on hold for lack of funding. Mayor Ellertson commented that the funding would be applied to the first priority and then go down the list. Those projects with “shared funding” would be funded and completed according to the priority list also.
Mayor Ellertson asked how many points would make a project high priority or medium priority. Mr. Christensen suggested starting at the top of the list and not jumping around working the way through and the question will be answered. The Councilmembers discussed signs and police enforcement. Mr. Dameron cited an example of too many traffic calming measures on a street in Park City.
(Councilmember Bath arrived at 6:58 P.M.)
Councilmember Acerson initiated a discussion of the speed humps on 900 East. The difference between “speed humps” and “speed bumps” were noted. It was observed that speed humps were not recommended for major collectors because of the danger to vehicles and occupants at the higher rates of speed. Councilmember Acerson suggested implementing traffic calming measures that would accomplish their purpose with the least amount of expenditure. Discussion of ways to change driver habits was held.
Mr. Christensen directed attention to the flow chart in Appendix B. He observed that the process of evaluation was initiated by a resident’s request. Mayor Ellertson expressed concern that residents be unable should not be able to “buy” a calming measure for their neighborhood. He felt the measure should get to the priority list on its own merits. He suggested changing the word “high” to “highest” in the middle of the second sentence of the paragraph dealing with “Shared Funding” on Page 11 so that the sentence reads “Lindon City shall pay up to 65% of the cost of constructing the highest priority traffic calming measures while the citizens will be responsible for the remaining 35% remainder.” Mr. Christensen inquired if the same change should be made to the paragraph containing Option 3. The change was approved.
Mr. Christensen discussed the various steps and procedures in the flow chart. Councilmember Acerson suggested that the initial priority for any request should be efforts to change driver behavior through increased enforcement. Mayor Ellertson preferred that city money not be spent on evaluation of a “wish list” of requested measures. He suggested that the neighborhood or resident requesting an evaluation pay for the study. The discussion between the Councilmembers revolved around the costs involved in each step of the flow chart and it was decided that citizens should be assessed an application fee at the “preliminary assessment” phase. Councilmember Bath asked where in the evaluation process public safety officials would be involved. It was decided that they should also be part of the “preliminary assessment” phase. Discussion was given to the application fee being applied toward the share of citizen funding of 35%.
Councilmember Bayless suggested expressed concern that availability of funding from citizen groups may be used to move a project from the low priority “hold” list to the high priority list and started on the assessment phase. It was discussed and decided to implement, but that moving the project from one list to the other would not change the points assigned. It would probably go to the very bottom of the high priority list.
Mr. Dameron asked if a group had gathered “citizen funding” for a specific project, would the steps of the process be shortened to just “neighborhood acceptance” before implementation of the project. Would the City Council allow a funded project to be constructed if an 80% majority of the neighborhood was in agreement? The Councilmembers decided that the project could not be built without City Council approval of the project and a public safety review and preliminary assessment. Mr. Christensen was asked to add the foregoing information to the report.
Councilmember Acerson asked for an evaluation of the city streets that are currently having problems. He also asked for estimates of construction costs on each type of calming measure for budgeting purposes.
Mr. Christensen moved the discussion to the City Council Action Phase. He noted that this would include more open meetings. The Councilmembers requested that a step be added to gain their approval for pilot testing. Mayor Ellertson observed that this process should not apply to city-initiated projects for public safety. He suggested that this program be applied to citizen-initiated projects only. He felt that city-initiated projects based on an engineer’s recommendation should not be precluded by red tape. Mr. Christensen suggested a phrase added to the report that the City Council has the right to modify the process. City Attorney Gordon Duval was asked for his input on a sentence to that effect. He suggested that the priority of a project may determine whether it is city-initiated. Mayor Ellertson agreed that a city-initiated project would only be a blatant safety issue and in the best interests of the citizens. Mr. Duval reminded the Council of the advisability of affirmative “findings” to justify their actions. Mr. Dameron suggested changing the title of the report to “Lindon City Citizen Initiated Traffic Calming Program.” The Council agreed.
Mayor Ellertson thanked Mr. Christensen for his time and input.
REGULAR SESSION
PRESENT
Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor
Jeff Acerson, Councilmember
Toby Bath, Councilmember (arrived at 6:58 P.M.)
Lindsey Bayless, Councilmember
Jerald I. Hatch, Councilmember
Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator
Venla Gubler, Administrative Clerk
ABSENT
James A. Dain, Councilmember
Conducting: Mayor Larry A. Ellertson
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Larry A. Ellertson
Invocation: Toby Bath
The meeting began at 7:44 p.m.
ELECTION OF MAYOR PRO TEM
A Mayor Pro Tem will be elected from the members of the Council to serve in the absence of the Mayor.
After discussion, COUNCILMEMBER HATCH MOVED TO APPOINT COUNCILMEMBER DAIN BY ACCLAMATION TO CONTINUE THE POSITION OF MAYOR PRO TEM FOR THE YEAR 2001. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
MINUTES
Review of the Minutes of December 19, 2000.
The minutes of the regular meeting of December 19, 2000 were reviewed. The following corrections were made:
Page 1, Line 24&25: Replace the phrase “Councilmember Bayless had not arrived” with “a quorum of council members was not present.”
Page 1, Line 50: Add the address “at 258 North 800 West” after “Gwen Maxfield’s new home.”
Page 2, Line 15: Replace the word “Action” before the word “Committee” with the word “Policy.”
Page 2, Line 28: Replace the word “Replace” with the word “Change.”
Page 3, Line 10,11: Add the sentences “The closing dates for the Book and Food Drives is December 31, 2000. The Computer Drive is closing in mid-February 2001" to the end of the paragraph.
Page 7, Line 43: Replace the words “being set” before the word “deadline” with the word “missing.”
Page 8, Line 1: Replace the word “missed” before the word “or” with the word “set.”
Page 9, Line 36: Replace the word “front” before the word “east” with the words “south and.”
Page 10, Line 5: Replace the word “West” before the word “and” with the word “South.”
Page 13, Line 26, 27: Add the phrase “located north of Fred Bentley’s property and adjacent to the Murdock Canal on the current trail system” after the word “parcel” and before the word “from.”
Page 14, Line 6: Replace the word “Ice” with the word “Snow.”
Page 14, Line 9: Add the phrase “due to several being out of town or with other commitments” after the word “participate.”
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF DECEMBER 19, 2000 AS CORRECTED. COUNCILMEMBER HATCH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
OPEN SESSION - Citizens comments
There was no citizen comment.
MAYOR’S COMMENTS/REPORT
Mayor Ellertson welcomed everyone. He noted that this meeting started a new year and expressed his pleasure and excitement for the challenges of a new year.
BUSINESS
1. Agreement - Utah County Bookmobile Services. The City Council will consider an agreement between the Utah County Bookmobile Library Board and Lindon City to provide bookmobile services to the city for the next calendar year. The proposed schedule and cost will remain the same as last year.
Mayor Ellertson observed the locations and frequency of the stops the Bookmobile makes within Lindon City listed in the contract and letter. He inquired of Mr. Dameron if statistics on the number of users were available. Mr. Dameron replied that he would ask the Bookmobile service for those numbers. Councilmember Hatch commented that it would be interesting to know if those numbers are going up or down. Mayor Ellertson asked which Lindon Chapel was noted on the letter as a “stop” for the Bookmobile. Councilmember Hatch thought that it was the one nearest to the City Center. Councilmember Acerson wondered if the money spent on the Bookmobile was money well spent. Councilmember Bayless questioned if the Bookmobile just augmented the Elementary School Library or if it drew patrons outside of the schools. It was decided to inquire into these questions and bring back the agreement for consideration at the next meeting.
COUNCILMEMBER BATH MOVED TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO THE NEXT MEETING TO ALLOW TIME FOR RESEARCH INTO THE ABOVE MENTIONED QUESTIONS. COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
2. Agreement - Lindon Gateway Escrow. The City Council will consider an agreement between Lindon Gateway, L.C. and Lindon City for Lindon Gateway, L.C. to provide funds in escrow for certain public improvements, streets, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, and utilities for the Lindon Park Station Subdivision until the Special Improvement District (SID) bond is issued.
City Attorney Gordon Duval told the Councilmembers that over the last few days the agreement within their packets had begun to look more and more like a standard subdivision bond agreement. It had been decided to use the Lindon City Bond Agreement with the addition of an indemnity clause, and attorney fee provision and a couple of other minor modifications. Mayor Ellertson observed that the Promissory Note mentioned in Section 4(a) was between Bank One and Johansen Thackeray. Mr. Duval verified that information.
Mr. Dameron observed that the Special Improvement District Bond had not yet been issued yet. This agreement between the developers and the City would allow the developer to install the improvements and be reimbursed by the City from the Bond proceeds. The Councilmembers discussed the amount of the bond and asked Mr. Duval to attach an exhibit of the estimates used to figure the Special Improvement District Bond. Mr. Duval said that he would obtain those estimates from LEI Engineering.
The Council discussed their recollections concerning total reconstruction of 200 South in the Special Improvement District. It was observed that the present estimates included only reconstructing a portion of 200 South through the areas with dips and resurfacing the remaining sections of the street. It was suggested that the City work with Mr. Thackeray to modify the project to include total reconstruction.
Mr. Dameron introduced the subject of the tax increment and how it should be paid to Johansen Thackeray according to the reimbursement agreement. The recent sales of lots precipitated this discussion. Mr. Dameron raised the question of reimbursing property taxes that were not paid by Johansen Thackeray but by the new owners.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN LINDON GATEWAY, L.C. AND LINDON CITY AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFTER THE QUESTIONS NOTED ABOVE HAVE BEEN SATISFACTORILY ANSWERED AND THE EXHIBIT OF IMPROVEMENTS AND COSTS IS ATTACHED AND THE MODIFIED AGREEMENT APPROVED BY THE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE. COUNCILMEMBER HATCH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. Resolution - Change Orders for Public Works Projects. The City Council will consider a resolution which would adopt a policy for change order approvals for public works projects.
The Councilmembers discussed the conditions in which a change order could be approved administratively. Councilmember Bayless questioned the large difference between sections 1(A) and 1(B). Mr. Dameron replied that he was not sure how those amounts were determined and thought that Councilmember Dain had suggested them. Mr. Dameron, Mayor Ellertson and the Councilmembers discussed hypothetical and varying amounts of change orders and which ones would be approved. Councilmember Acerson observed that having more eyes to see mistakes on the larger change orders may be good. Mayor Ellertson asked Mr. Dameron his comfort zone on amounts of change orders. Mr Dameron replied that he felt comfortable with the amounts in 1(B) and 1(C). Councilmember Bayless observed that the amount listed in 1(A) was trifling in comparison with 1(B) and 1(C). Mr. Dameron asked if the Council would be comfortable in making 1(A) higher. Councilmember Bayless thought it made more sense. Councilmember Acerson observed that the overall percentage of change may presage problems. It was noted that the wording of the resolution included the words “may authorize.” Mr. Dameron was encouraged to come to the Council with any questions or problems he may encounter.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2001-1 ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDERS FOR CITY PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS. COUNCILMEMBER ACERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
4. Resolution - Rental of the City Center for Piano Recitals. The City Council will consider a resolution which would adopt a policy and fee for the rental of the City Center for piano recitals.
Councilmember Bayless observed that this Resolution would encourage the use of the City Center piano for cultural events. The Councilmembers discussed the amount of the rental fee for these types of events. It was suggested that the word “piano” be dropped before the word “recitals” in Section1 and 2. The word “piano” in the 4th Whereas was also changed to the word “facilities.” The Councilmembers discussed the City Center being used only by residents. It was decided that if one or more participants, students or teachers, using the facilities was a Lindon resident, that would count for the “resident” restriction. Councilmember Hatch suggested limiting scheduling the recitals to those of only one teacher accommodate 3 or 4 in a time block instead of only 1 recital for 4 hours. The Council disagreed. Councilmember Bayless suggested trying this proposal to see if it works as intended or if it is abused.
COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2001-2 ADOPTING A POLICY FOR THE RENTAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE CITY CENTER WITH THE CHANGES AS NOTED ABOVE AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO REVIEW AND SIGN. COUNCILMEMBER ACERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
5. Resolution - Performance Award for Red-Lined Employees. The City Council will consider a resolution which would adopt a policy for a performance award to be given to employees with exceptional performance who have reached the highest step within the applicable range of the pay schedule.
Mayor Ellertson questioned Mr. Dameron about the practices of other cities in the County concerning red-lined employees. Mr. Dameron admitted that most do not do anything to reward red-lined employees for exceptional performance. He said that most authorize only a cost of living increase. Pleasant Grove is considering a performance award every three years. Mayor Ellertson asked what the standard step increase amount is. Mr. Dameron replied that it is about 2½%.
Councilmember Bayless observed that red-lined employees have proven themselves as valuable assets, but are no longer rewarded for their performance. Mayor Ellertson replied that the steps cannot just keep going and going with no end and that these employees had received the benefit over their long tenure. Councilmember Bayless said that benefits are now likely to be cut also. Mr. Dameron commented that employees in government “don’t get rich,” but stay because of the benefits and the satisfaction of serving the community.
The Councilmembers discussed the specifics of the proposal. Mayor Ellertson observed that this proposal would add one step to the existing pay structure. Councilmember Acerson noted that the award would be based on performance only. Mr. Dameron commented that the award was not cumulative. Councilmember Bath verified that it would only be awarded once a year based on an exceptional performance review. Councilmember Bayless felt that good employees should be rewarded. She asked how many employees would be affected by this proposal. Mr. Dameron replied that there was one this year and 3 next year.
Councilmember Acerson suggested possibly taking away a step but making a bigger performance award. Councilmember Bayless asked if the Council wanted these employees to look elsewhere for employment. Mayor Ellertson expressed concern that the award could become automatic and wanted clearly defined guidelines. He asked Mr. Dameron to have the supervisors define what performance they consider superior. Councilmember Acerson confirmed that he is interested in promoting motivation. Mayor Ellertson also is interested in encouraging employees. Discussion of finding an acceptable program and then prorating it for affected employees was held.
COUNCILMEMBER ACERSON MOVED TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION OF ADOPTING A POLICY FOR A PERFORMANCE AWARD FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE REACHED THE HIGHEST STEP WITHIN THE APPLICABLE RANGE OF THE LINDON CITY PAY SCHEDULE UNTIL AN ACCEPTABLE PROGRAM IS AGREED UPON. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
CITY COUNCIL REPORTS
WATER, GENERAL PLAN, BUILDING INSPECTION, ENGINEERING
Councilmember Dain was excused.
SEWER, SOLID WASTE, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND PROPERTIES
Councilmember Hatch had nothing to report.
TRAILS, PLANNING, ZONING, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, ADMINISTRATION
Councilmember Bayless asked if the date of the February Retreat was definite. The date of February 9-10 was confirmed. Mr. Dameron encouraged the Councilmembers to attend on Friday and promised more information on the location at the next meeting.
STREETS, SIDEWALKS, PUBLIC SAFETY AND COURT
Councilmember Bath asked if the Council was aware of the regular Public Safety Meeting held in the Satellite Station at the Lindon City Center on Wednesday, January 3, 2001. Mr. Dameron replied affirmatively.
PARKS, RECREATION, EMERGENCY MNGMNT, LINDON FAIR, NEWSLETTER
Councilmember Acerson announced an Emergency Preparedness meeting on January 10th, 2001 at 7:00 P.M. Mr. Glenn Mott would be in charge of this event.
He reported that the work on the storm water detention basins along 900 East was continuing.
He asked for recommendations for the Lindon Days Chairman. Mayor Ellertson suggested a resident for the post position. Councilmember Hatch also had a recommendation.
Mayor Ellertson asked if the Councilmembers would agree to continue in their present assignments for the coming year. The Councilmembers were agreeable.
He asked the Council members to consider nominations for the Governor’s “Points of Light” Program. This is a program initiated by the Governor to recognize volunteers in the various communities.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Dameron:
1. Announced the Lindon/Pleasant Grove Quarterly Coordination Meeting on January 8, 2001 at 3:30 P.M. at the Lindon Public Works Building. Councilmember Acerson volunteered to attend. Mayor Ellertson also confirmed that he would attend.
2. Reported that the Engineering Coordination Meeting would be held on January 11, 2001. Councilmembers Bath and Bayless volunteered to attend.
3. Informed the Council that the City-Wide Open House would be held on January 11, 2001 at 7:00 P.M.
4. Reminded Councilmembers of the Martin Luther King holiday on Monday, January 15th, 2001. He noted that this was one of the additional holidays recently approved by the Council.
5. Disclosed that three Public Hearings would be on the next agenda. These public hearings include the proposed building height standard revision for the Hillside Overlay, the amendment of the sign ordinance to allow the relocation of billboard signs when they conflict with freeway on/off-ramp construction, and the proposed adoption of the new General Plan.
6. Scheduled appointments with Councilmembers Bath and Bayless for performance evaluations of department heads.
7. Reported that the Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet would be January 11th 10th, 2001.
8. Announced that Rogierre Johnston had been hired to replace Teresa Newman as Accounts Payable Clerk.
COUNCILMEMBER ACERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE PAY VOUCHERS. COUNCILMEMBER BAYLESS SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
COUNCILMEMBER HATCH MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 9:30 P.M. COUNCILMEMBER BATH SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL PRESENT VOTED IN FAVOR. THE MOTION CARRIED.
APPROVED - January 16, 2001
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Ott H. Dameron, City Administrator/Recorder
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Larry A. Ellertson, Mayor |
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