MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE
BLANDING CITY COUNCIL HELD ON
MARCH 14, 2017
AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Present:
Mayor: Calvin Balch
City Councilmembers: Trevor Olsen
Joe B Lyman
Robert Ogle
Taylor Harrison
Kd Perkins
City Manager: Jeremy Redd
Finance Director: Kim Palmer
City Engineer: Terry Ekker
Community Development: Bret Hosler
Police: Chief Torgerson
Fire Chief: Corey Spillman
Others Attending: Kendall Laws, Rick Meyer, Milt Pipkin, Jeremy Lyman, Trent Herring, Kara Laws, Gary Guymon, Sharon Guymon.
Prayer/Thought - The prayer/thought was offered by Kim Palmer.
1. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
2. Councilmember Perkins moved to approve the minutes and financial disbursements of the
February 28, 2017 meeting, Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Olsen
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Those voting NAY NONE
Those ABSTAINING Councilmember Ogle
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
3. OPEN FORUM
Mayor Balch read from Utah League of Cities and Towns Powers and Duties handbook regarding the public comment portion of the meeting. The handbook states that 'The public comment portion of the meeting shall be limited to the public speaking to the council on any item not on the agenda. The Mayor and City Council may ask clarifying questions of the member of the public making a presentation and other members of the public may ask clarifying questions of the presenter at the discretion of the Chair.'
Sharon Guymon expressed her support of the proposed resolution to ask residents their opinion on the sale of alcohol within the City. Ms. Guymon stated she is not advocating for hard liquor but rather beer or wine in a restaurant situation. As a business owner, she has found that many of her customers desire a glass of wine or beer with their meals. She continued to share that the City has received negative comments on the webpage Trip Advisor by visitors because of the inability of visitors to purchase alcohol.
Gary Guymon stated that tourism is one of the things that keeps the community running. It would be reasonable to offer beer or wine to customers, especially those from Europe. He also felt it is time to allow the citizens of Blanding to vote on the issue.
Rick Meyer expressed his feelings regarding the sale of alcohol, by stating he would hope the Council would continue to disallow the sale. He shared that Goulding's Lodge in Monument Valley does not serve beer or wine and are a very successful business. He feels the ban on alcohol sets Blanding apart from other communities. He will vote against the sale of alcohol in Blanding.
Jeremy Lyman spoke in favor of the Council lifting the ban on alcohol and in favor of it going to the voters. He believes it is not the role of government to impede economic development or support it. He does not believe the ban is a good thing, regardless of personal religious beliefs. Many tourists feel the ban is a negative thing.
4. REPORTS/DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
Terry Ekker presented the February 2017 Water & Natural Gas Report
Mr. Ekker reported that as of February 28th, the annual precipitation is at 103% and Snow depth is at 42 inches. The water equivalent was at 15.3 inches.
He also shared that there were four 1/2' natural gas services installed in February.
Chief Torgerson presented the February 2017 Police Report
Chief Torgerson reported that there was a total of 73 calls during the month of February. This is very much like 2016 numbers.
Chief Spillman presented the February 2017 Fire Report
Chief Spillman reported that February was a slow month for the department. The department responded to two calls and four trainings were conducted.
Jeremy Redd presented the February 2017 Recreation Report
Mr. Redd reported that boys' basketball has finished. Baseball, softball and t-ball registrations are currently taking place. High school baseball and softball have started and teams are currently using the fields. City parks and Main Street are being cleaned up and ready for spring. Lifeguards are currently being hired for the upcoming pool season.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - ELECTRIC REVENUE BONDS
Councilmember Harrison moved to enter a Public Hearing regarding the Electric Revenue Bonds, Councilmember Perkins seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Councilmember Olsen
Those voting NAY NONE
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
Council entered a Public Hearing at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Redd stated that the public will benefit from the electric system upgrade.
Public Comments:
Gary Guymon stated that the equipment needs to be improved and replaced.
Rick Meyer asked how the project will dovetail with the project that was completed last Fall. Mr. Ekker responded that the project last Fall was done to prepare for this portion of the entire project. When the project is completed, residents on the 4kv line will be moved to the 12kv. Most of those that will be affected by an outage during this final phase will be residential customers.
Councilmember Perkins moved to leave the Public Hearing, Councilmember Harrison seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Councilmember Olsen
Those voting NAY NONE
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
Council left the Public Hearing at 7:36 p.m.
6. AGENDA
A. Resolution 3-14-2017-1 Intent to Place Before the Blanding City Voters An Opinion About Changing Blanding City Code to Allow The Sale of Alcohol in City Limits - Robert Ogle
Councilmember Ogle read the following statement;
'I understand that the sale of alcohol may be the most controversial, emotional issue in Blanding. As an individual member of the City Council, I neither condone nor condemn the sale of alcohol in Blanding at this time. I am not suggesting that City Council, as a whole, prepare a formal position statement either in favor of, or opposed to the sale of alcohol in Blanding at this time.
'What I hope will happen tonight is the discussion of a resolution concerning the sale of alcohol in Blanding, resulting in a resolution question to be placed on the November 2017 ballot, providing the voters of Blanding an opportunity to express their opinion on the sale of alcohol in Blanding.
'Included in your packet is a sample Resolution including a sample City of Blanding Proposal to be placed on the November 2017 ballot. The working of such a proposal would be, 'should the city allow the sale of beer and wine in Blanding City limits? Yes or no.'
Mayor Balch told Council that he felt it was time for the citizens to voice their opinion on the topic of alcohol sales.
Councilmember Lyman requested a change to the proposed resolution title to read 'the Blanding City voters a question', rather than it reading 'the Blanding City voters an opinion.' Councilmembers agreed and the change was made.
Councilmember Harrison commented that it is time for citizens to be heard. He has heard an equal amount from those that oppose the sale of alcohol and those that support it.
Councilmember Lyman stated that he feels it is a value question that needs to be answered by the community.
Councilmember Ogle reminded everyone that if it passes the City will draft the ordinance, but if it fails it will be dropped. The Mayor then commented that it would be dropped by this current Council, but would not bind any future Council to that decision.
Councilmember Harrison moved to approve Resolution 3-14-2017-1 Intent to Place Before the Blanding City Voters A Question About Changing Blanding City Code to Allow The Sale of Alcohol in City Limits, Councilmember Ogle seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Those voting NAY NONE
Those ABSTAINING Councilmember Olsen
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
Resolution 3-14-2017-2 - Regulating the Sale of Goods and Services in City Parks - Taylor Harrison
Councilmember Harrison told Council that the resolution would apply to all City parks. Selling will be allowed on Friday, Saturday, Memorial Day and Labor Day in South Park only. Councilmember Lyman asked why these two holidays were specifically named. Councilmember Harrison responded that it was determined that selling would not be allowed on the 4th of July or the 24th of July.
Mayor asked how the rules would be enforced. Councilmember Harrison responded that signage will be placed listing the rules for selling in the park. The City parks department and police department will monitor to ensure rules are followed.
Councilmember Ogle asked how these new guidelines will affect the Farmers Market that is held at the Visitor Center. Mr. Redd responded that the Farmers Market is classified as a special event and an agreement is signed yearly for park use.
Mayor Balch asked Chief Torgerson what his feelings were regarding the monitoring of the parks. Chief Torgerson responded that he visited the park on the previous Saturday and found many were selling and using City tables and sidewalks to do so. He feels posting the signs and initial monitoring will be helpful in spreading the word. Mr. Redd commented that permits are available at the Wellness Center and online.
Councilmember Harrison moved to approve Resolution 3-14-2017-2 Regulating the Sale of Goods and Services in City Parks, Councilmember Ogle seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Councilmember Olsen
Those voting NAY NONE
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
Approve Electric Bond Bid - Jeremy Redd
Marcus Keller from Zions Bank Public Finance attended by phone. Mr. Keller gave a summary of the bids that were received for the electric bond. He stated his pleasure with how the bids came in and the percentages offered. Pinnacle Public Finance came in at 2.499%; Bank of Utah 2.6%; State Bank of Southern Utah 2.650%. After a 4 year, non-call period the City can call the bond if it desires and pay it off. Pinnacle cannot call the bond. Mayor Balch inquired why the bond was not listed at $1,400,000 as requested. Mr. Redd responded that after the fees for the bond are paid there will be $1,375,000 put into the City account for the project. The remaining amount necessary to complete the project will come from electric savings.
Councilmember Lyman moved to accept the bond bid from Pinnacle Finance for the $1,400,000 over 10 years. Councilmember Perkins seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Councilmember Olsen
Those voting NAY NONE
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
2017 Municipal Election Discussion - Jeremy Redd
Mr. Redd reminded Council that the City has participated in the mail in ballot process for the past three years. He asked if Council would like to continue with the mail in ballot process for the upcoming election, taking place in November. He reported that voter participation was up 22% using mail in ballots. Those who choose to vote in person can do so at the San Juan County Courthouse in Monticello. The County is continuing the mail in ballot process. If the City was to discontinue the mail in ballot method of voting, citizens would still have to use the mail in ballot anytime there was a county election, and it could be confusing to residents if the County and the City were each using a different voting method. Councilmember Lyman stated that it would better for residents for the County and the City to use the same method. Councilmember Ogle stated he likes the in person voting, but he could not debate the statistics. Council gave advice and consent to continue with a mail in ballot.
Vehicle Allowance Policy Review - Robert Ogle
Councilmember Ogle asked for a report on the vehicle allowance policy. Mr. Redd responded that he feels the policy is working well, he has not heard otherwise. Mr. Ekker stated that he feels the policy is fair and working for him. Chief Spillman also stated he feels it is working.
F. Logo Concept Approval - Jeremy Redd
Mr. Redd stated that the logo process has been a long process and now he is looking for some direction from Council. The Council packet included the latest logo design from Flitch Creative.
Councilmember Olsen commented that the proposed logo was growing on him, but he was not entirely happy with it. He asked if Council would be interested in looking at what another online company might offer as a design. The company would provide 50-60 companies an opportunity to share their Blanding City design concepts. The City could then select the concept of their choice at a cost of $800.00. There would be no cost if the City chose not to select a design. Council agreed to approaching the online company, www.99designs.com and see what results they might have in the design of the logo.
7. INFORMATION
Mr. Redd told Council that he has received information that a 1% loan will be offered from the Department of Water Quality to the City for the east side sewer project. Mayor Balch asked if that must be accepted. Mr. Redd responded that he is still working to see if they would be willing to go with a zero percent loan, but 1% is still very good.
8. OPEN FORUM
Sharon Guymon addressed the logo discussion. She advised that the City ensure the final design represents the City and what it is. She recommends that the Council open the design of the logo to local citizens.
Gary Guymon suggested that the logo is simple with color and well thought out.
Milt Pipkin commented on the alcohol topic. He expressed his concern with the number of individuals driving after purchasing alcohol in other locations. This creates a dangerous situation.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Harrison moved to adjourn. Councilmember Perkins seconded the motion. Mayor Balch repeated the motion and asked for discussion. Hearing none, he called for a vote. Voting was as follows:
Those voting AYE Councilmember Lyman
Councilmember Ogle
Councilmember Harrison
Councilmember Perkins
Councilmember Olsen
Those voting NAY NONE
Constituting all members thereof, Mayor Balch declared the motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)
In compliance with the ADA, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting may call the City Offices at (435) 678-2791 at least twenty-four hours in advance. Every effort will be made to provide the appropriate services.
Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation
One or more Council Members may partcipate electronically.