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01/10/2017 - Work Session - Minutes MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 The Mayor and City Council met for a Legislative Dinner Meeting on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 5 : 30 p.m. in the CytyByrd Café in the City and County Building, 451 South State Street, Salt Lake City. In Attendance: Council Members Stan Penfold, Charlie Luke, Erin Mendenhall, Andrew Johnston, Derek Kitchen, and Lisa Adams . Absent: Councilmember James Rogers Also In Attendance : David Litvack, Mayor' s Deputy Chief of Staff; Cindy Gust-Jenson, Council Executive Director; Jennifer Bruno, Council Executive Deputy Director; Russell Weeks, Council Senior Policy Analyst; Jan Aramaki, Council Community Facilitator; Dan Weist, Council Communication Director; Lynn Pace, Mayor' s Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs; Jennifer Seelig, Mayor' s Community Relations Director; Mary Beth Thompson, Finance Director; Lara Fritts, Economic Development Director; Justin Belliveau, Redevelopment Agency Chief Administrative Officer; Mike Reberg, Community and Neighborhood Department Director; Mike Brown, Police Chief; Jeff Bedard, Police Officer; and Cindi Mansell, City Recorder. Utah State Representatives : Sandra Hollins, District 23; Legislative Intern (Representative Hollins) Elaine Navar; Rebecca Chavez-Houck, District 24; Joel Briscoe, District 25; Legislative Intern (Representative Briscoe) Carson; Angela Romero, District 26; Legislative Intern (Representative Romero) Celesta Nagel; Brian King, District 28; Patrice Arent, District 36; Legislative Intern (Representative Arent) Christian Mower; Lynn Hemingway, District 40; and House Minority Legislative Staff Director Jen Jankowski . Utah State Senators: Luz Escamilla, District 1; Jim Debakis, District 2; Gene Davis, District 3; Jani Iwamoto, District 4; and Todd Weiler, District 23 . The meeting was called to order at 6 : 00 p.m. View Agenda WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION 6:00:38 PM Council Chair Penfold and the Mayor' s Deputy Chief of Staff David Litvak welcomed those in attendance and thanked them for their commitment of time and service . Mr. Litvak explained Mayor Biskupski had a last minute conflict and extended her apologies for not being in attendance . Introductions were made (including areas of representation) . 17 - 1 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 2017 SALT LAKE CITY STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Mr. Litvack and Mr. Pace reviewed the 2017 Salt Lake City Legislative Issues and encouraged input from those present . Mr. Pace encouraged officials to call in their license plate number to receive free parking during the upcoming Legislative Session. Mr. Pace said Salt Lake City had a unique legislative structure in that both the Mayor and City Council are well-intentioned, strong- opinioned, and do not always agree . He said when it comes to legislative issues, however, these two groups work hard to reach consensus for Salt Lake City to have one voice on the hill . FUNDING FOR HOMELESS FACILITIES & SERVICES HOUSING SET ASIDE IN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREAS AFFORDABLE HOUSING 6:14:36 PM Mr. Pace said the first three agenda items were related. He said homelessness was the number one legislative issue and the dialogue in process continued to change, evolve, and move forward. He said the second funding tier from the State Legislature was critical in this process . He said last year, the Legislature was generous in jump-starting the funding process but this year the City desperately needed the second tier of funding. He said although funds were built into the Governor' s budget, many people were anticipating alternative needs for the funding, and all that had been completed (to this point) would be wasted unless additional support was received. Mr. Pace said Mr. Litvak was the City' s point person on homeless issues . Mr. Litvak explained the Legislature had committed to $27 million over three years . He said last year, $9 . 25 million was allocated and the hope was for $9 million this year. He said the Legislature might see a combined City and County request around operation diversion and the ability to continue treatment and programming initiated last fall . He discussed the desire to work together to get individuals (in need of treatment) into treatment and funding had been committed through the end of the State fiscal year. Mr. Pace said he heard about a proposal in RDA legislation to remove existing funding in the mandatory set aside funds for low- income housing which would be catastrophic for the City and the County. He said the funding that comes from redevelopment projects assists in supplementing emergency shelter and low-income housing. He said it seemed counter-productive for the State to allocate $9 million for homeless solutions and then remove low-income housing monies . He said when RDA legislation came through he would encourage officials to ensure set aside housing funds did not get removed from the statute. 17 - 2 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 He said the argument had been made if local government wanted to insist, they could negotiate via tax increment agreement . He said the net effect would be the City and County insisting on housing funds being set aside although other counties might not (development would become cheaper in those other counties) , and Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County could suffer. Mr. Pace said Salt Lake City had retained lobbyist David Spatafore for work on this issue . Mr. Pace said the City favored anything that would move the needle on affordable housing. He said studies had shown that half of the people in the homeless system were short-term who move in and out quickly; the other half were chronically homeless or people who need long-term supportive housing. He said the chronically homeless arena needed help. He said the City Council made a commitment of City resources to address the issue but there remains a critical need for additional funds . Senator Weiler explained he had been serving on a task force with Representative Edwards and others on affordable housing and a major piece of legislation was requesting $9 million in new money. He said Bruce Cutler had a bill surrounding housing application fees for low- income people required to apply and pay a $35 fee; they were then informed there was no space available and lost that fee. Mr. Pace said in order to make a meaningful difference on what was seen on the streets today the support of all players was necessary. WATERSHED PROTECTION 6:23:59PM Mr. Pace said for decades, cities of the first class have had extraterritorial jurisdiction to protect watershed and water quality within the watershed area (such as Salt Lake City with the Wasatch Canyons) . He said Salt Lake City was proud of what had been done over the years to preserve the quality and availability of water; however, there was increasing pressures relative to watershed, recreation, and development . He said there were others who felt Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County had control that was unduly restrictive on development in the canyons . He said dialogue was initiated with the Quality Growth Commission that would suggest cities of the first class should have pared back responsibility and shifted it to the County (or someone else) . He said this entire scenario was not about watershed protection, but rather being able to develop. Mr. Pace said Salt Lake City took this seriously and could not afford to jeopardize its clean drinking water. 17 - 3 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 Representative Briscoe said there was surface policy behind the issues, but there were people who owned land and they wanted to develop for years . He discussed the property values seen from a real estate perspective and said the City had resisted appropriately and needed to continue to fight algae blooms, phosphorite, and overloading those streams coming down the canyons as a historic source of water. NORTHWEST QUADRANT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6:27:23PM Mr. Pace said there was no specific legislation, but this area had generated a great deal of attention relative to the area and new State Prison. He requested that Salt Lake City be informed about any proposed legislation which might affect this area. He said Ms . Fritts was working aggressively on a potential plan for the Northwest Quadrant as well as the State; the plan was intended to ensure development went in the correct direction. Inquiry was raised regarding ownership of the nearby landfill . Mr. Pace stated it was owned by the LDS Church. Representative Luz said she filed a bill trying to address mitigation of potential pollution and air quality impacts that would happen during the transportation of development materials . She said she realized those aspects would be difficult to control for those surrounding communities . She said the bill would not be specific to the Northwest Quadrant area only but would include West Side Community Council concerns with what construction would look like for this development. SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT 6:30:36 PM Mr. Pace said although this item was not on the list, he would add that Salt Lake City would be concerned about any legislation involving the Salt Lake City International Airport and its development. Representative Arent expressed concern regarding taxi regulations at the Airport, costs, charge limitations inside and outside of the City, and inquired what could be done to solve the problem. Mr. Weeks suggested it might be worth exploring contracts with ground transportation businesses for right to access airport pickup limits . He said the problem was the question of Salt Lake City regulating businesses that had business licenses in other cities and towns . Mr. Litvak said the City would look into the different ground issues at the Airport. 17 - 4 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 CONVENTION CENTER ALCOHOL LICENSES 6:34:09 PM Mr. Pace explained there was expectation for alcohol legislation this year. He said the City wanted to change to the State alcohol licensing process and flexibility in connection with events that would be hosted at the new Eccles Performing Arts Center (in downtown Salt Lake City) as well as other convention facilities across the state . Clarification was provided this change was unrelated to the "Zion Curtain" law. SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL RENTALS 6:35:43PM Mr. Pace said short-term residential rentals were becoming an issue in every community. He said the desire was for parity between licensed hotels/motels and online services . He said there was also issue with government being able to regulate individuals in their own home . He said although this was not as big of an issue in Salt Lake City as other tourist locations, they would be working closely with the Utah League of Cities & Towns to maintain local control . Councilmember Mendenhall added that this issue could coincide with affordable housing in that the units which could be rented would be held in reserve for short-term stays instead. INTERNET SALES TAX 6:37:22 PM Mr. Pace said this was an issue of making sure sales tax owed was collected. He said Amazon was only one player and Senator Bramble intended to introduce legislation to move forward a uniform tax and revenue collection between brick and mortar and on-line locations . He clarified the tax was already owed and legislation would simply provide for a more efficient collection method. OPIOID ABUSE 6:38:14 PM Mr. Pace said the City would support legislation relative to awareness, treatment, and prevention associated with opioid abuse. IMPACT FEES FOR PUBLIC SAFETY 6:39:01PM Mr. Pace said years ago, the Legislature authorized the use of fire impact fees to acquire fire trucks as an element of capital assets . He said the City wanted to explore the concept to acquire assets on the police side . MISCELLANEOUS 6:39:41 PM Representative Romero said she wanted to see the City add a legislative priority for mandatory processing of sexual assault kits . 17 - 5 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 Representative Briscoe requested clarification on the homeless services and his understanding that any request coming from the City and County would be for services and not for site acquisition or construction. Mr. Litvak said the $27 million funding request last year broke down $20 million for facilities and associated land; $7 million for housing and programming; $4 million towards operational expenses of new resource centers; and $3 million for housing. He said the legislative funding request this year would be a continuation towards that goal . Inquiry was raised as to whether there could be a scenario wherein more than $27 million would be requested. Mr. Litvak said when transitioning from two to four resource centers, additional capital expenses were anticipated but he did not anticipate asking for additional funding for homelessness . Senator Debakis inquired if there was enough detail to know the costs for the four new resource centers and who would pay for them. Mr. Litvak said when funding was requested last year, discussion centered around two facilities for about $2 million each and $l-2 million target for operational expenses . He said Salt Lake County currently spent $52 million on homeless services and the expectation was to realign that funding to better fit the new homeless resource program model . He said Staff continues working on programs, including operations for all four centers, and contributions by the City and County. He said the City' s funding and support surrounding homelessness (police and fire services) would be almost equal to the County' s $52 million. Councilmember Penfold said he thought substance abuse treatment and mental health care costs would be a long-term challenge moving forward. Representative Romero said at two of the potential homeless shelter site meetings, she noticed that the County did not have representation. She expressed concern that many of the questions being directed at the City might need to be addressed by the County. She inquired if Salt Lake County intended to be involved or participate in upcoming meetings . Mr. Litvak said City Staff was working hard to ensure the County would be present and they had been responsive in providing information. He suggested elected officials had the ability to contact the County directly and express the importance and benefits relative to involvement from their standpoint. 17 - 6 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 OTHER CURRENT LEGISLATIVE ISSUES/MATTERS OF CONCERN 6:47:53PM Mr. Pace invited everyone present to discuss individual priority issues as well as issues that might affect Salt Lake City. Senator Weiler said he was involved in a major piece of litigation and had been involved in two workgroups relative to juvenile justice . He said data had been collected all over the state and it appeared geographical location played a key role in whether or not juvenile offenders were removed from their homes . He discussed the social aspects associated with removing them from homes (drop outs, re-offenders, and increased costs) and said the concept was to attempt to keep the juveniles in the home and consider probation or community service instead. He said another aspect could be juveniles were not being offered legal counsel and received probation or fines they are unable to pay. He said they then returned to court on contempt and were thrown into juvenile detention. Representative Romero said it was important to note these were communities of color and there was a cultural competency component that also needed to be addressed. Senator Escamilla said she was working on baby watch intervention, which needed to include a priority component for all children ages 0-3 with special needs . She further discussed work involving a veteran cleanup bill, adoption bill, home visitation programs, focus on wage/gender equality, bullying in schools, and after-school programs . Representative Briscoe discussed the request to allow the Farmer' s Market to run biweekly during the winter. He said several people around the state had multiple education bills . He discussed the concept of raising carbon taxes to $5 per capita each year in the State of Utah. He discussed energy costs, taxes, social justice issues, and climate change . Representative Hollins discussed schools for the deaf and blind, the "school to prison pipeline" to stop children from going into the system, and data collection to determine what worked. She addressed legislation titled "ban the box" requesting to the State of Utah that when someone applies for a position they were not asked about criminal backgrounds up front or until the interview. She said studies had shown that a person was more likely to get a job, work harder, and were generally more loyal . She said she was also working on childhood trauma legislation involving mental health aspects of children and how adults develop from childhood impacts . 17 - 7 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 Representative Hemingway discussed a livable wage bill and success shown in Seattle, San Francisco, and other areas relative to raising minimum wage . He further discussed affordable housing and minimum wage, stating the first step to remove poverty was to pay workers so they could stay home and raise their kids versus work 2-3 jobs to make ends meet. He addressed teacher shortages, and said there were other bills including assistance for new school teachers to purchase a home and become invested in a community. He also discussed a diaper changing station bill to mandate location of the units in both men and women' s bathrooms . Representative Romero said she would be running legislation to mandate the processing of all sexual assault kits . She said she was also working on bills associated with human trafficking, force, fraud, paid parental leave, and campus confidentiality. Senator Iwamoto discussed her work associated with governmental immunity, adjusting the cap to increase medical services over time, and instream flow for public water suppliers . She discussed a helping coordinator position to assist in services for seniors that were not in facilities, as well as ways to get seniors into housing. She discussed a plastic bag ban and the associated need to change habits and associated hard costs relative to air and water quality. Representative Chavez-Houck discussed provisions for removal of elected officials related to personal health or service, election legislation, proportional or ranked choice building, service dog scenarios and legislation associated with not truly being trained for service, and allowing an individual to bring a divorce court order to a billing entity to split the before (medical) expenses of minor children. Senator Debakis discussed a bill to repeal the Huntsman flat tax and return the rate to 7% for those making $500, 000 or above. He said this alone would bring $283, 000, 000 potentially for the education fund. He discussed water districts and said Utah might be the second driest state but they top in water consumption. He said there was disconnect between the tap price and what people use because 500 of water costs were covered in property taxes . He suggested letting the market set the price of water and watch people conserve. He said this program could be subsidized originally, and the highest layer would be astoundingly expensive and inherently promote conservation. He said bonding would not be affected and property tax charges for water could be slowly reduced and removed (with the exception of some water districts who could not operate in said manner) . 17 - 8 MINUTES OF THE SALT LAKE CITY COUNCIL LEGISLATIVE DINNER MEETING TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 , 2017 Representative Arent discussed clean air bills and the critical need for funding appropriation for new monitors . She further addressed election bills associated with ensuring a real primary in the next presidential race, solicitation or use of campaign funds, and family law for parents with disabilities . Mr. Pace thanked everyone for attending. He said Staff was working on a new software tracking system that Mayor Biskupski utilized at Salt Lake County. He said it allowed both internal and external legislators and the public to review legislative bills . He said Staff could also push a position statement at least once a week to advertise their position on various important/high level bills . He said that would be difficult to do for all legislation. The meeting adjourned at 7 : 15 p.m. COUNCIL CHAIR CITY RECORDER This document is not intended to serve as a full transcript as additional discussion may have been held; please refer to the audio for the entire content. This document along with the digital recording constitutes the official minutes of the Mayor and City Council Legislative Dinner Meeting held January 10, 2017 . clm 17 - 9