Loading...
10/09/2018 - Work Session - Minutes MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 The City Council met in Work Session on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, in Room 326, Committee Room, City County Building, 451 South State Street. In Attendance: Council Members Erin Mendenhall, Derek Kitchen, Chris Wharton, James Rogers, Charlie Luke, Andrew Johnston, and Amy Fowler. Staff in Attendance : Cindy Gust-Jenson, Council Executive Director; Jennifer Bruno, Council Executive Deputy Director; David Litvack, Mayor' s Deputy Chief of Staff; Margaret Plane, City Attorney; Russell Weeks, Council Senior Advisor; Kira Luke, Council Policy/Budget Analyst; Samuel Owens, Council Policy Analyst; Melissa Jensen, Housing and Neighborhood Development Director; Nick Norris, Planning Director; Mike Reberg, Community and Neighborhoods Director; Matthew Cassel, City Engineer; Jon Larsen, Transportation Director; Alexis Verson, Transportation Planner; Jennifer McGrath, Community and Neighborhood Deputy Director; Julianne Sabula, Transit Program Manager; Julio Garcia, Human Resources Director; David Salazar, Human Resources Program Manager; Lisa Shaffer, Public Services Director; Kristin Riker, Public Lands Deputy Director; and Scott Crandall, Deputy City Recorder. Guests in Attendance: Nichol Bourdeaux, Utah Transit Authority (UTA) External Affairs Vice President. Councilmember Mendenhall presided at and conducted the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 4 : 56 p .m. AGENDA ITEMS #1 . 4:56:14PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING THE REDWOOD ROAD MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION STUDY. The study was commissioned by multiple agencies, particularly Utah Transit Authority (UTA) , in order to evaluate land use and transportation options along Redwood Road from the northern Salt Lake City boundary to approximately 114000 South in South Jordan City. The recommendations for the Salt Lake City section of Redwood Road include: retaining and enhancing bike lanes, repairing and widening sidewalks, improving transit stops and connections, and providing safe pedestrian crossings. The recommendations are consistent with the City's adopted Westside Master Plan. View Attachments 18 - 1 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Russell Weeks , Jon Larsen, and Alexis Verson briefed the Council with attachments . Ms . Verson summarized the proposal . Comments included multi-agency plan, nine-month study, consultant recommendations, financial support, land use feasibility study, utilizing existing City master plans during study, recommendations being consistent with City goals/vision, long-range traffic projections (bus/transit ridership, etc. ) , robust public process (survey) , prioritizing bike lanes, pedestrian improvements, and existing vehicle/bus environment, implementation plans (short- range/long-term strategies) , funding sources/timeline, high-level study/recommendations, status of cost estimate, future Westside transit hub, increasing bus service, implementation strategies, Redwood Road being owned by Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) , Redwood Road parking issues, retaining bike lanes where possible, and holding further discussions about issues relating to properties/businesses located adjacent to Redwood Road and North Temple. Councilmember Mendenhall requested an Administrative update identifying potential short-term projects (being regionally significant) where the City could apply for County funding (from transit tax) . Mr. Larson said he thought a Westside transit hub would be a good project for County funding. #2 . 5:09:17 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING ON A COUNCIL-INITIATED PROPOSAL TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE COMPLETE STREETS ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 14 . 06 SALT LAKE CITY CODE) , WHICH IS A CITY PROCESS TO EVALUATE STREET MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR PROJECTS FOR INCLUSION OF PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, AND OTHER COMPLETE STREETS FACILITIES . View Attachments Sam Owen, Jennifer McGrath, Nick Norris, Matthew Cassel, and Jon Larsen briefed the Council with attachments . Ms . McGrath and Mr. Owen summarized the proposal . Comments included reviewing other relative City plans, ordinance not being inclusive/clear, reviewing streets holistically as part of transportation network system, clarifying decision-making process in ordinance, upcoming Request-for-Proposal (RFP) for Streets Typology Study (help inform conversations about complete streets) , zoning ordinances (Form- based code) , revisiting ordinance in context of reporting requirements, goals/transparency of reporting component, multi- module transit options, inclusiveness regarding different mobility options/choices, availability of national data about complete street ordinances, replacing parking/traffic lanes with bike lanes, decision to install bike lanes should not be political, 18 - 2 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 better coordination between City departments, determining criteria that would trigger a report (street length, cost, etc. ) , addressing slurry seals separate from street reconstructions, installing bike lanes wherever possible, public accountability, multi-module transit options, streets not being the same Citywide, and having transparent reporting mechanisms . Councilmember Kitchen said part of having the $87 million proposal on the ballot was the Administration' s commitment to provide complete streets reporting (not just bike lanes) because some transportation decisions were made politically (not through best City planning practices) which created frustration for the Council . Ms . McGrath said she felt the need for additional reporting would probably be eliminated by carefully crafting the ordinance with very clear criteria. Councilmember Mendenhall said she assumed every street being contemplated for work went through a complete streets evaluation regardless of the level of work. Mr. Larson said that was correct. Councilmember Kitchen said he felt if those evaluations were already being done, reporting should not be overly burdensome . Mr. Reberg said although slurry seals were reviewed through the lens of complete streets, they were not part of the complete streets ordinance (only new construction and reconstruction) . Further discussion included Council having ability to respond to constituents about why/how Administrative street improvement decisions were made, potential for politically motivated decisions, overwhelming Department with too many reports/details, need for revised ordinance to include reporting requirements and process for public input/involvement, interim reporting being done on a case-by-case basis (per Council Member request) , and requesting the Administration return with suggestions on addressing short-term reporting requests and a timeline to review/update existing ordinance. Mr. Larson provided additional information about a grant the City won for a "Streets Typologies Project" (STP) study. He said the study would provide opportunities for the City to look holistically at different types of streets/intersections in an open/public way (look building-to-building, not curb-to-curb) . Councilmember Mendenhall asked if the ordinance rewrite was subject to completion of the STP study. Ms . McGrath said no, but it would help inform the process . Mr. Larson said the study would be completed in approximately nine months . 18 - 3 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Mr. Reberg said the Administration would come back in the next meeting or two with a process they felt would work for the long-term rewrite in addition to providing suggestions on how to address short-term reporting issues . Straw Poll: Support allowing the Administration time to review/establish a timeline to accomplish a comprehensive ordinance rewrite along with providing options for Council Members to request/receive interim reports about decisions being made for specific street projects (ordinance rewrite would include comprehensive reporting criteria) . All Council Members were in support. Mr. Owens said "National Complete Streets Coalition" recommendations for the ordinance rewrite were included in the Staff Report on Pages 4, 5, & 6 . He said the Council could request the Administration utilize those recommendations to guide the rewrite process . Councilmember Mendenhall called for a Straw Poll on the suggestion. All Council Members were in support . #3 . 6:05:22PM RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON THE $5 . 3 MILLION SALES TAX REVENUE ALLOCATION FOR IMPROVED TRANSIT SERVICE IN SALT LAKE CITY. The update will include a list of milestones for improved service to start in 2019 and draft deal points for a service contract between the City and UTA. Funding-Our-Future is an initiative to address four critical needs: public safety, affordable housing, improved streets, and better transit options. The Council approved a 0. 5% sales tax increase in May, and during the City's budget process, allocated funding from anticipated sales tax revenue to each of those needs. View Attachments Russell Weeks, Kira Luke, Jon Larsen, Benjamin Luedtke, Julianne Sabula, and Nichol Bourdeaux briefed the Council with attachments . Mr. Weeks provided background information about the proposal/prior process . Discussion was held about the interlocal agreement with Utah Transit Authority (UTA) to address future transit routes/systems in the City (200 South, 900 South, 2100 South, 600 North, & 1000 North) . Comments included increasing coverage in underserved areas, increasing ridership (downtown core) , infrastructure build-out, budget/timeline for system/routes implementation (phased approach) , developing innovative transit programs, utilizing diesel buses vs . natural gas or electric (variable costs/vehicle life) , and equitable 4th quarter sales tax distribution. 18 - 4 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Mr. Larson said the "Year 1 Project" was slated to begin in August, 2019 for 200 South, 900 South, and 2100 South. He said in order to be ready for the August rollout, the interlocal agreement needed to be in place by the end of this calendar year so UTA could invest in start-up costs (hiring mechanics, training drivers, etc. ) . He said the Administration would come back to the Council in a few weeks with a final draft. Ms . Sabula said the master agreement (previously provided to Council) contained guiding principles and referenced exhibits about the methodology for decision making going forward (ensure future consistency as new routes were funded/came online) . She said the City would also have the ability to annually review/revise commitments related to increasing service, purchasing/leasing vehicles, infrastructure projects, additional programmatic elements, cost sharing adjustments, data sharing, etc. Discussion was held about the City' s inability to purchase/utilize clean vehicles due to fuel costs and the lack of infrastructure for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles and electric buses . Council Members expressed interest in adding language to the agreement whereby the City could consider alternative fuel types as UTA' s access to cleaner vehicles became available (potentially as part of the guiding principles) . Councilmember Mendenhall said the City had very explicit carbon reduction goals which she thought could be referenced/considered in the agreement. Councilmember Johnston asked what vehicles were being ordered at this point in the process . Ms . Sabula said standard diesel buses . Councilmember Mendenhall expressed concern about exchanging air quality values in order to quickly implement the contract. Ms . Sabula reiterated the City did not control the electric grid so choices at this point were very limited. She said she thought in the long-run, electric vehicles were probably the best option to attain air quality/sustainability goals . Ms . Bourdeaux said CNG options were also limited until storage/refueling infrastructure was expanded. She said the State received an $11 million grant to build a CNG facility in the Depot District. Ms . Bourdeaux said language could be added to the master agreement showing that during the first phase, buses could be moved to other locations when CNG or electric vehicles came online . She also thought philosophical language could be added showing it was a City priority to have the cleanest fuel vehicles possible (cost 18 - 5 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 factors associated with each choice) . Councilmember Rogers said he understood the situation with ordering diesel buses during Phase I but thought a provision could be made that all future vehicles would be CNG or electric. Ms . Gust-Jenson said this was a good example of a balancing test where the Council wanted to act quickly but also wanted to follow its core values . She said a similar situation would occur with the Inland Port and thought the Council might want to discuss how to expedite this proposal and still preserve options in the future for clean vehicles in the Port. She said she was concerned about the groundwork this could create and thought both projects needed to be discussed upfront (consider unintended consequences) . Further discussion was held about utilizing new/cleaner diesel vehicles . The Council asked about current fuel Tier ratings . Ms . Bourdeaux said she would get information back to the Council . Councilmember Mendenhall requested the master agreement be updated showing the City' s priority to receive cleaner vehicles as part of UTA' s portfolio (including ability to evaluate costs associated with upgrades/annual review) . Mr. Owen said a follow-up briefing was scheduled for November 13, 2018 . #4 . 6:28:35 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING AN ORDINANCE THAT WOULD AMEND BID REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY-FUNDED BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS. The amendments would make the City's regulations consistent with applicable State agencies such as the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and clarify requirements for bidders to certify and comply with the ordinance, including having health insurance available for workers, and penalties or consequences for failing to meet outlined requirements. View Attachments Item pulled. #5. 7:09:25PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY' S COMPENSATION PLAN WHICH WAS ADOPTED AS PART OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 BUDGET. The amendments include minor text revisions and language specifying that the Arts Council Executive Director is an appointed position in City ordinance. View Attachments 18 - 6 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Benjamin Luedtke, Julio Garcia, and David Salazar briefed the Council with attachments . Mr . Luedtke and Mr. Garcia provided a summary of the proposal . Comments included changing the Arts Council Executive Director position from merit to appointed and increasing the pay grade from 30 to 32, other housekeeping changes, and no public hearing requirement. Ms . Gust-Jenson said the proposal would adjust the Attorney' s Office staffing structure to reflect the same structure as other City departments . She said several years ago, to quickly facilitate salary increases, positions were changed from merit to appointed (done without considering potential ramifications) . She said the City Attorney and Deputy City Attorney positions would remain appointed (remaining positions changing back to merit) . Councilmember Mendenhall said tentative action was scheduled for October 16, 2018 . #6 . 6:29:01 PM Dinner Break #7 . 7:15:12PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING THE CITY' S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) . Capital Improvement Projects involve the construction, purchase or renovation of buildings, parks, streets or other physical structures. Generally, projects have a useful life of five or more years and cost $50, 000 or more. View Attachments Benjamin Luedtke, Matthew Cassel, Mike Reberg, Lisa Shaffer, Kristin Riker, and Melissa Jensen briefed the Council with attachments . Mr. Luedtke said an additional $349, 500 was available in the General Fund due to changes in two projects (1900 East Reconstruction -$194, 000 reduction & Rose Park Golf Course Multi- Use Trail - $155, 000 reduction) . Discussion was held on the following items : Project No. 9 - llth Avenue Pavilion, Multi-use Path and Signage Improvements ($231 , 880 General Fund - $142 , 120 Impact Fee) . No questions/objections . Project No. 10 - Glendale Park Playground, Pavilion and Path ($398 ,516) . No questions/objections . Project No. 11 - Regional Athletic Complex Field Lighting - ($325 , 000) . No questions/objections . 18 - 7 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Project No. 12 - Sugar House Park New Pavilion - ($112 , 000) . No questions/objections . Project No. 13 - Library Parking Structure Traffic Control Equipment Upgrade - ($357 , 000) . No questions/objections . Project No. 14 - Traffic Signal Upgrades - ($786, 000) . Mr. Luedtke said typically six lights were recommended for upgrades every year but this request was for four or five. Councilmember Rogers asked if upgrades were for lights only or entire intersections . Ms . Jensen said intersections . No objections . Project No. 15 - Imperial Park Shade Structure - ($75,000) . Mr. Luedtke said this was a small pocket park with a $30, 000 matching neighborhood donation. No questions/objections . Project No. 16 - 1400 East at Sunnyside Ave Intersection Reconfiguration - ($203 , 000) . Mr. Luedtke said the intersection was not currently ADA compliant. No questions/objections . Project No. 4 - 1100 East Curb and Gutter ($221,600) . Discussion was held regarding constituent concerns about traffic being diverted to 1100 East due to 1300 East construction (too many projects going on) . Councilmember Luke suggested delaying the project and using the proposed funding elsewhere (fund project in next CIP process) . He suggested moving the funding to Project No. 50 - Sunnyside 9-Line Trail Matheson Nature Preserve (explore potential for impact fee eligibility) . Straw Poll: Support for intent to add 1100 East Curb and Gutter project ($221, 600) to next year' s funding list . All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll : Support to move $221, 600 to Project 50 - (Sunnyside 9- Line Trail Matheson Nature Preserve) . All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll: Support to take remaining $43, 400 from General Fund overage . All Council Members were in support . Project No. 5 - 1900 East Street Reconstruction - ($490,500) . Councilmember Mendenhall asked about the proposal . Mr. Luedtke said due to improvements, the project was reduced by $194, 000 (added to General Fund) . 18 - 8 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Project No. 8 - Multi-use Loop Trail for Public Access at Rose Park Golf Course ($498 ,500) . Mr. Luedtke said the project consultant said the northwest loop was not feasible (funding reduced by $155, 000 (added to General Fund) . Discussion was held on the following items not recommended for funding: Project No. 44 - Lindsey Gardens Concession and Pedestrian Access - ($480 ,250) . Discussion was held on suggestions from Council Members Wharton and Johnston. Councilmember Johnson asked about impact fee eligibility for the Three Creeks Confluence. Mr. Luedtke said the project was 15% eligible ($10, 650) . Councilmember Mendenhall said she wanted to keep some recaptured money from Liberty Park to rebuild the Seven Canyons Confluence art project. Straw Poll: Support to recapture funding ($155, 000) from Project No . 8 (Rose Park Golf Course Multi-use Loop Trail) . All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll: Support to allocate $71, 000 (of the $155, 000) for sidewalk and stair construction in Project No. 44 (Lindsey Gardens Concession and Pedestrian Access) . All Council Members were in support. Council Added Item (Project No . 2) - Three Creeks Confluence Additional Funding. Straw Poll: Support to utilize $1, 067, 776 in impact fees and $81, 715 from the CIP Cost Overrun Fund to fully fund the Three Creeks Confluence Park. All Council Members were in support. Project No. 46 - Fairmont Park Stream Access and Beautification - ($135 , 000) . Councilmember Fowler suggested funding the proposal from the General Fund. Straw Poll : Support to recapture $120, 000 from the Liberty Park Concession and reallocate that to Project No. 46 (Fairmont Park Stream Access and Beautification) . All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll: Support to utilize an additional $15, 000 from the General Fund to fully fund Project No. 46 (Fairmont Park Stream Access and Beautification) . All Council Members were in support. 18 - 9 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 Project No. 47 - City & County Building Washington Square Master Plan - ($75,000) . Councilmember Johnston said he wanted to explore the feasibility of turning Washington Square into a City park (funding from Rose Park Golf Course Multi-Use trail reduction) . Councilmember Rogers said he and Councilmember Johnston could work with the Parks Department to identify points along the Jordan River Trail for improvements/funding. Councilmember Mendenhall said that would be a separate request (potentially in a future budget or budget amendment) . Straw Poll: Support to take $75, 000 of the remaining recaptured funding from Project No. 8 (Rose Park Golf Course Multi-use Loop Trail remaining cost savings - $84, 000) to be used for Project No. 47 (City/County Building Washington Square Master Plan - feasibility park study) . Discussion was held on clarifying the scope of the study. Councilmember Johnston said the intent was to study the feasibility of utilizing Washington Square and Library Square to create a single downtown park. Councilmember Rogers said the 200 East right-of-way would also be included. Councilmember Johnston said the proposal was not intended to impact the $3 . 445 million previously set aside for acquiring/developing a downtown park. All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll : Support to move the remaining $9, 000 cost savings from Project No. 8 (Rose Park Golf Course Multi-use Loop Trail) to the General Fund. All Council Members were in support. Straw Poll: Support to move any remaining General Fund balance into the CIP Cost Overrun Account. All Council Members were in support. Councilmember Luke proposed another Straw Poll to keep everything in place that was voted on tonight but if the Administration determined impact fees could be used for projects (i .e. Matheson Nature Preserve) , those remaining funds would be transferred into the CIP Cost Overrun Account as well . All Council Members were in support. Discussion was held on a prior Council request regarding a daycare for City employees . Mr. Luedtke said $250, 000 was identified for recapture because the three-year deadline had passed. Mr. Reberg said the Administration was still looking for a suitable location and asked the Council to delay action. Councilmember Rogers suggested exploring public/private 18 - 10 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2018 partnerships such as the Overnighter Motel which planned to have a 10, 000 square foot daycare that could be utilized by City employees (City-owned land) . Further discussion was held about a City survey where employees identified proximity as being their main concern. Councilmember Mendenhall said she looked forward to the Administration' s evaluation/feedback. #8 . 8:20:50 PM REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. Report of the Executive Director, including a review of Council information items and announcements. The Council may provide feedback or Staff direction on any item related to City Council business, including but not limited to: • Surplus Land Disposition Policy, and • Scheduling items. No discussion held. #9. 8:20:56PM REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR. Item not held. #10 . 8:20:59PM CONSIDER A MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION, IN KEEPING WITH UTAH CODE §52-4-205 FOR ANY ALLOWED PURPOSE . Item not held. The Work Session meeting adjourned at 8 : 21 p.m. COUNCIL CHAIR CITY RECORDER This document is not intended to serve as a full transcript as other items may have been discussed; please refer to the audio or video for entire content pursuant to Utah Code §52-4-203 (2) (b) . This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the City Council Work Session meeting held October 9, 2018 . sc 18 - 11