Monday, March 30, 2020

Council Meetings - 31 March 2020

These are some strange times we are living through. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy.

I've read about confusing being caused by elected officials sending out conflicting information regarding the current pandemic. I'm not a medical doctor nor a public health expert, so I won't even try. I fully support the guidelines being released by our federal, State, and County officials, and I fully support the City's 4 STEP COMMUNITY SAFETY PLAN.

I've seen some false information circulating social media, so please be careful of the sources of the information you consume. One site that I have been looking at recently is by a global health research center at the University of Washington. It uses a model to predict the peak day of the outbreak for each U.S. state and the Country, and projects the kind of hospital bed and ventilator shortages we are facing. It predicts the peak of the outbreak in the U.S. will be in two weeks. Currently, the death toll in the U.S. is 2,405. The model predicts this will be about the daily death rate at the peak. That sounds crazy, but the total number of deaths, country-wide, is predicted to level off midsummer around 82,000 (ranging between 40k and 140k). This is similar to the numbers our President was talking yesterday when he said we will have done a good job if we keep that number below 100,000.

The prediction for Utah is better, but still dire. It forecasts our peak to be on the 27th of April with 16 deaths per day. The bad news is that we may be asked to "Stay Safe, Stay Home" for another month. The good news is that we still have time to bend the infection curve down even more to beat the predictions.

Well, on a lighter note, we have a full day of Council meetings tomorrow. In keeping with the health guidance, the meeting will be held virtually. Here are all the details if you would like to participate. I actually don't see anything too juicy being discussed. The Alcohol Licensing Committee will give a status update and look for some direction from the Council, but nothing will be voted on until our next meeting in two weeks. Joaquin Parking will be discussed, but again, it's more of a status update. Finally, there is a rather large appropriation, but it is a long-term investment into our Airport, similar to several that have been made over the years that have turned out to be wise.

PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Work Meeting Agenda

12:00 pm, Tuesday, March 31, 2020

Work Meetings are designed to be a less formal venue for discussion among Council Members. Generally, no public input is taken during the meeting.

    Business

  1. A presentation on Provo City's Vehicle Replacement 5 Year Plan. (20-007)
    The Vehicle Replacement Fund is utilized as an internal service funding mechanism for the purchase of vehicles for all City Departments. Purchases of General Fund vehicles have historically been repaid as 5 year loans back to the bank. The Fleet Advisory Committee with representatives from several departments have met and vetted each General Fund departments' priorities for replacements for the next 5 years. These priorities and associated additional funding requirements will be explained to the Council. "The bank" here is an internal fund. The City self-finances for our smaller, routine vehicle purchases. I think this is a wise way to safeguard tax dollars. It sounds like there will be a request to set aside more money for this fund. The cost of vehicles continue to go up. I will be interested to see what the Administration thinks about trying to get to the point that even our larger, non-routine purchases, like fire fighting apparatus, can be self-financed. A motion to decide as a Council to do as Mr. Harding has suggested and bring to the next Work Meeting a proposed paragraph regarding the policy direction for alternative fuel vehicles to discuss, amend to their satisfaction, and send forward was approved 7:0. The characterization of that motion is a little weird, but yes, we will be bringing a proposed city policy to the next meeting which would direct the City to purchase electric or other alternative fuel vehicles when retiring and replacing vehicles in our fleet, unless it is imprudent to do so.
  2. A presentation to the Municipal Council in order to provide information regarding Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs). (20-063)
    The developers of the medical school and medical school housing at the golf course will be building a public road as a part of the access off of Lakeview Parkway. A significant portion of this new road, which will also include several utility lines, will pass through the former golf course, which is also a former landfill. It has been determined that all former landfill material within the road right of way profile will be required to be removed and hauled away. It is estimated this will cost upwards of $10 Million. The developer is looking for ways to pay for this large cost item and spread the payment of this work over time. Utah Senate Bill 228 (Public Infrastructure Districts Act) became effective May 14, 2019. This legislation created a funding mechanism for land developers to fund public infrastructure and attach the cost of said improvement to the property tax assessment through the creation of an independent taxing entity. The purpose of this item is to inform the Municipal Council of the implication and issues revolving around this funding mechanism. This is a new tool that the State has authorized to help finance infrastructure that is necessary for a development to go forward. This infrastructure needs to be paid for by the developer and using this tool doesn't change this. It needs local approval, but it doesn't affect the credit of the local entity. Presentation only. I do have some worry about how this new tool will fit into our established practices of paying for new public infrastructure, particularly with our use of impact fees. This application, though, where the medical school will be building, owning, and operating the apartments, makes total sense for this tool.
  3. A discussion regarding licensing for restaurants with ancillary breweries. (20-057)
    In the Work Meeting on March 10, the Council created the Alcohol Licensing Committee. The committee has reviewed best practices, state requirements, Provo City Code, and other cities' policies regarding beer licensing. The committee is now ready to bring their proposals for a new Class "F" Beer License and other potential code amendments to the Council and receive feedback as they prepare their proposals for the Council Meetings in April.
    The sub-committee has made a lot of progress and is looking to get a feel for the Council's preferences on how we move forward with refining our proposal. A motion to instruct the Alcohol Licensing subcommittee to create a proposal for a class F brewpub license before April 14; and after April 14, to create a proposal that would conform the Class B and C licenses to state code and address any other necessary or desired updates before October 1, failed 3:4, with George Handley, David Harding, William Fillmore, and David Sewell opposed. A motion that the Council direct the Alcohol Licensing subcommittee to come forward by April 14 with a proposal that would create a class F license to address brewpubs and to align and streamline city code to more closely match the state code was approved 6:1, with William Fillmore opposed. My preference was to create a new class of beer license for brewpubs at the same time as looking at the way we give local consent to all types of beer licenses to consider if we should follow the CDC recommendations to reduce the risk of excessive alcohol consumption in communities. Instead, it looks like we will create the new license and perform some code clean up in the licensing section and will continue to work on the other aspects afterward.
  4. A presentation from the Joaquin Parking Committee. (20-074)
    The Joaquin Neighborhood Parking Steering Committee approached the Council to address parking in Joaquin – one of the most diverse and densely populated neighborhoods in Provo. Since then, the Joaquin Parking Committee has put out a public survey, researched how other university towns manage their parking, held several focus groups, and talked with students, landlords, residents, business owners, and representatives from BYU. The committee has drafted a comprehensive parking management program that includes permit parking, paid visitor parking, and additional parking spaces. The program does have some startup costs, which will be addressed in the budget requests for the Community and Neighborhood Services Department. Ongoing costs will be covered by revenue from the program, with any remaining funds reinvested in neighborhood improvements. The program has been reviewed with Parking Enforcement and the Joaquin Neighborhood Chair. The next steps for the committee are to meet with department heads and present the program at a neighborhood meeting. This effort stalled a bit with the change of the Council. I am hopeful that we can get this across the finish line. Presentation only. We are getting close to being ready to begin the broad public outreach on this one.
  5. A discussion regarding updating the General Plan. (20-068)
    The long-range planners have requested to attend a Work Session and update the Council on the General Plan. They have also requested high-level direction as they begin strategizing about how best to approach updating and revising the General Plan. I recognize the need for a "substantive" update to the General Plan. I support the proposal to streamline the document. Presentation only. This will be a major project for the end of this year and into the next.
  6. A resolution appropriating $4,900,526 in the Airport Fund for the acquisition of land near the airport, applying to fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. (20-067)
    The Administration is recommending the purchase of 29.64 acres of property adjacent to the airport. The property is located immediately east of Duncan Aviation and shares the property line with the Airport on the east, west, and south. The purchase price for the property is $165,000 per acre (appraised value) with a total purchase price (including closing costs) of $4,900,526 to be appropriated in the Airport Fund. The funding will come from a transfer from the General Fund. The current owner of the property has a number of agricultural leases on the property and suspects that there are people living on the property. There have been reports of illegal activities occurring on the property including actions that violate the standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The proposed purchase of the property will qualify to be used as a match for future FAA airport projects. The land currently owned by the City that is available to be used as a match for future projects is $400,000, and it is expected it would be used very quickly with the terminal and other airport expansion projects on the horizon. If the proposed property purchase is not approved, the City would need to provide a cash match for future FAA airport projects once the $400,000 is used. This is an important opportunity to invest in our airport and will pay direct dividends for a decade. There are so many good reasons to do this. The only thing that makes me nervous is the uncertainty of local finances as we deal with the raging pandemic. A motion to request that staff bring back a proposal for an inter-fund loan from the Energy Department to fund this land purchase and that the Council consider it in an upcoming meeting was approved 7:0. This is the other item that we are looking to borrow from the Energy Fund. I think we are getting close to what I think should be the limit for this fund.
  7. An update on the City Center Project. (20-013)
    Scott Henderson will update the Council about the designs for the new City Center Building, the proposed budget, location of the fire station, and the redevelopment of the current City Hall site. Construction will begin soon. Presentation only. I worry a bit that the main hallway -- the main area when you first enter the building before heading off in whatever direction you need to go, is too cramped. I've brought this up a couple of times now, so I know it's on the Administration and architect's radar.

  8. Policy Items Referred from the Planning Commission

  9. A brief explanation and overview for the Municipal Council on the Central Corridor Transit Study. The Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee is also invited to participate with the Council. (20-065)
    Region 3 Utah Department of Transportation has commenced an evaluation process to study the purpose and needs of a central corridor to connect Provo to Lehi and all cities in between via a potential mass transit mechanism. This evaluation process is in collaboration with the Utah Transit Authority, Horrocks Engineering, and Parametrix Consultants. Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Vineyard, Provo, and Orem are all participating in this process. Up to this point there is a technical committee consisting of both engineers and planners from the respective cities and an elected officials committee made of city mayors and/or administrators. The effort has mostly consisted of determining a purpose and need to move people from Provo to Lehi in the most effective and efficient manner, not necessarily using cars or I-15. This sounds a lot like BRT, but connecting Provo to Lehi. I support developing sensible and attractive transportation alternatives to give our community members more transportation options. Presentation only. These projects take a lot of time and resources. I'm glad we are starting to plan early.
  10. An ordinance amending the Provo City General Plan relating to The Transportation Master Plan. Citywide Application. (PLGPA20200038)
    Continued from the meetings on March 10, 2020. The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is an appendix to the General Plan and provides guidance on future transportation needs within the City. The TMP provides information on current and future transportation conditions to be taken into consideration when reviewing future development projects and capital improvements. The Public Works Department has contracted with Parametrix to revise and update the TMP, which was adopted in 2011, to reflect existing and future conditions. There have been a lot of good discussions since we continued the item. Part of the deliberations is about what to include now and what to include after we have completed the General Plan update. Presentation only. This item will be brought back to a future Council Meeting. It's been great working with our engineers to address the policy concerns that the councilors brought up in the March 10th meeting. I believe the TMP that we pass will be much better for the extra effort.

  11. Closed Meeting

    Closed meetings (aka executive meetings) are held without the public present and must meet one of the conditions listed in Utah State Code (§ 52-4-204 and 52-4-205 et. seq.). If a closed meeting is needed, it will be announced at that time. None requested.


Adjournment



PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Agenda

5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 31, 2020


    Opening Ceremony

    Items in this category do not involve legislative action.

    Presentations, Proclamations, and Awards

    Items in this category do not involve legislative action.
  1. 2020 Census Complete Count presentation. (20-028)
    Every household should respond. Check out https://2020census.gov/ Presentation only. As I'm writing this, Provo's response rate is at 51.9%, just a hair below the State average. But Orem's response rate is 55.6%. We need to step up our game! (data)

  2. Public Comment

    • This public comment period is intended to allow comment on matters that do not appear on the agenda. Each speaker will generally be limited to two minutes. Fifteen minutes has been set aside for this comment period.
    • For items on the agenda requiring a public hearing, time to comment will be provided, after the item is presented, for all those who wish to speak.
    • For items not requiring a public hearing, public comment will still be taken following presentation of the item, but will be limited to a ten minute total comment period.


    Action Agenda

  3. resolution to amend the Planning Commission bylaws to permit electronic public hearings. Citywide application. (PLOTA20200095)
  4. This bylaw is to permit the Planning Commission to hold electronic public meetings in accordance with Utah State Law. The Commission itself changes its by-laws. But the Council has to ratify them. Approved 7:0.
  5. A resolution appropriating $2,184,800 in the general CIP fund for the implementation of a Human Capital Management System and authorizing an interfund loan from the Energy Fund to the ERP Debt Service Fund as a funding source. (20-062)
  6. The Administration is recommending the appropriation of $2,184,800 in the General CIP fund for the implementation of a HCMS and the approval of a 5-year interfund loan from Energy to the ERP Debt Service Fund to provide the funding. The interest rate on the interfund loan will be 2 ½ percent and an annual transfer from the specific funds will provide the annual funding. I believe this is the last component in the multi-year revamp of the core software suite used by the City. Approved 7:0. This component of our software system is definitely needed. By borrowing from the Energy Fund, we pay ourselves the interest and keep a healthy General Fund balance. We do need to take care not to over-use the Energy Fund.
  7. An ordinance amending the zone map classification of approximately 0.34 acres of real property, generally located at 164 s 400 w, from Residential Conservation (RC) to Low Density Residential (LDR). Franklin Neighborhood. (PLRZ20200041)
  8. Rob Slater is requesting a zone change from the RC zone to the LDR zone for his property at 164 South 400 West. The proposal conceives of demolishing the existing home and building three single-family homes on the site. The current zoning would allow the applicant one unit while approval of an LDR zone would allow up to five units. The single-family home that is currently on the property was built in 1885. Two conditions exist on this property. First, the size of the property, at 14, 810 square feet, is larger than most in the area. Second, the home on the property is in disrepair and would be very costly to try to rehabilitate. The restrictions of the RC zone would limit redevelopment to the single-family home. The location of the property is on the edge of the Franklin Neighborhood and a half block away from the Downtown Neighborhood. The related concept plan shows a front facing home on 400 West with a driveway on the north side to access two other detached single-family homes. The total project shows ten off-street parking spaces and over six thousand square feet of open space. Planning Commission recommended approval. There are many aspects that I like about this proposal. My main concern is that it doesn't appear to me to be consistent with the recently passed Franklin Neighborhood Master Plan. Continued by Council rule to the Council Meeting on April 14, 2020. Four years ago I voted against the adoption of the Franklin Neighborhood Plan because the Planners had changed the Future Land Use map to show R1.6(A) (small-lot single-family detached with accessory apartments) zoning immediately south of 100 S instead of LDR (low-density residential). Their original recommendation was for LDR and I felt that this was more appropriate for the area immediately south of our downtown. They changed their recommendation based on neighbors' concerns about a change in the housing type on these blocks. Well now, four years later, the Council has received its first request for a rezone in the area. The request, with Staff recommendation, is to rezone a property to LDR and not R1.6(A).

    While I was for LDR to be on the future land use map in the neighborhood plan, I don't think it is right to go against the adopted plan.
  9. An ordinance amending Provo City Code to allow for permeable driveways and parking lot surfaces. Citywide application. (PLOTA20190411)
  10. Provo City Code 6 (Business Licenses and Regulations), 14 (Zoning), and 15 (Development Landscaping Requirements) detail parking surface material standards required for new developments. However, concrete and asphalt do not allow storm water to penetrate the surface and be absorbed into the ground. The proposed amendment would allow parking lots and driveways to be built out of brick pavers, permeable pavements, grasscrete, and stabilized gravel to allow natural storm water infiltration. This storm water infiltration should naturally help recharge aquifers and help the sinking water table. Expanding the list of permitted parking surface option will also add less expensive material choices for builders. Gravel from driveways could get tracked into the street by cars. The proposed amendment requires a large diameter of rock and certain methods of stabilizing gravel to mitigate this concern. Planning Commission recommended approval. I think this is a positive change that gives people more options, reduces the demand on our stormwater system, and improves the water quality in our streams, river, and lake. I still need a little more reassuring that the gravel option won't cause problems, though. Approved 7:0. I had my gravel questions answered. It is not an option for any required accessibility parking.
  11. ***CONTINUED*** Daniel LaFontaine requests a Zone Change from R1.10 to Low Density Residential for 1.07 acres for a townhome development, located at 50 E 3900 N. Riverbottoms Neighborhood. (PLRZ20190265)
  12. This was not ready to be heard
  13. ***CONTINUED*** An ordinance amending the Provo City General Plan relating to The Transportation Master Plan. Citywide Application. (PLGPA20200038)
  14. This was not ready to be heard
  15. ***CONTINUED*** Comm. & Nbhd. Services Dept. requests ord. amend. to City Code 15.20.090--Parking Lot Landscaping. Request seeks to increase the min. canopy coverage & landscaping arrangement within new parking areas. Citywide appl. (PLOTA20190433)
  16. This was not ready to be heard
  17. ***CONTINUED*** A resolution appropriating $4,900,526 in the Airport Fund for the acquisition of land near the airport, applying to fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. (20-067)
  18. This not ready to be heard

    Adjournment

Council Meetings - 10 March 2020

PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Work Meeting Agenda

12:00 pm, Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Work Meetings are designed to be a less formal venue for discussion among Council Members. Generally, no public input is taken during the meeting.

    Business

  1. A presentation regarding the Provo Police Department's FY 2020-2021 budget. (20-007)
    The Police Department will present a pre-budget summary to review department budget management, trends, and developments in the operations with the Municipal Council. We are significantly short on police officers, and it affects the ability to provide the level of service the community wants and strains our police officers. Last year we made a good dent in staffing hole, but we still need to add 3 or so more officers a year for several more years to get to a manageable level, that would still be well below the national average as well as state averages for police staffing. I'm interested to see how this is presented this year. Presentation only. The Police Department is requesting 5 additional officers. This would bring us to the level that the Police Executive Research Forum advised the City that we should be at when they reviewed our department in 2012.
  2. A presentation regarding the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for FY 2020-2021. (20-045)
    The information presented will inform future budget discussions. In the final Work Meeting in April 2020, the Council will give the Mayor a list of their budget priorities for consideration as Administration and Finance draft the FY 2021-2022 budget. That's a 153-page document, but oh so important. It lays out major projects for the City for the next 5 years and the projected funding sources. Presentation only. The link to the document that was included in our document packet was for last year's CIP. I carefully reviewed the document and came with several questions, but only half of them still applied.
  3. A presentation regarding the Administrative Services FY 2020-2021 budget (Finance and Human Resources Divisions only). (20-007)
    The Administrative Services Department will present a pre-budget summary to review department budget management, trends, and developments in the operations with the Municipal Council. This presentation will cover the Finance and Human Resources Divisions. Other divisions will be presented at another meeting. Each department is giving us a budget preview. Presentation only. This item will be brought back to the Work and Council Meetings on March 31, 2020. We are in the midst of an unprecedented period of economic growth in the country. We need to be careful that we are prepared for the next downturn.
  4. A presentation regarding Library Services' FY 2020-2021 budget. (20-007)
    Library Services will present a pre-budget summary to review department budget management, trends, and developments in the operations with the Municipal Council. Each department is giving us a budget preview. Presentation only. Books, Building, and Bytes. The Library is focused on providing great services to our community
  5. A presentation regarding the regulation of short-term rentals. (20-049)
    Starting last year, the Council asked that staff investigate the use of short-term (30 days or fewer) rentals in Provo, what the possible impacts they are having in Provo are, and issues Code Enforcement is having with them. Staff have completed that work and will present some recommendations on how to regulate the use of short-term rentals. For a while now, I feel that the City has adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" approach to STRs. I believe it is time to create some reasonable regulations so that STRs can be operated legally in a way that doesn't hurt the community. Presentation only. The Council discussed the possibility of creating an ad hoc committee to address issues for short-term rentals. STRs are here. It is already allowed in some areas of Provo. It is not allowed in most areas. But there are STRs everywhere. The City has purchased software to monitor the listings. We need to revisit our policy to make sure that we can maximize the benefits of STR and minimize the negative impacts. It looks like we need to create a subcommittee to draft a recommendation.
  6. A presentation regarding Stormwater Quality Updates. (20-050)
    Public Works will be bringing to the next regular Council meeting changes to the Drainage Manual and Title 18 of City Code to address the State of Utah's new retention/low-impact development rule. I support the State's new emphasis on retention and low-impact development for stormwater, as long as it can be done feasibly. Presentation only. This is looking good.
  7. A discussion regarding licensing for restaurants with ancillary breweries. (20-057)
    In the last Council Meeting on February 18, 2020, the Council amended Provo City Code to permit restaurants with ancillary microbreweries as a permitted use in General Downtown (DT1), Downtown Core (DT2), and Regional Shopping Center zones. The ordinance included a sunrise clause which specified that the ordinance would not take effect until the Council authorized the issuance of a beer license for such restaurants. It is proposed that the Council create a committee to address licensing for restaurants with ancillary breweries. It is anticipated that the committee would bring a proposal to a Council Work Meeting within the next month or so. We need to create a license for the newly allowed brewpub land use. I feel that it is the right time to review all of our beer license policies to make sure they are aligned with our goals and objectives. A motion to recommend creating a committee to look at alcohol licensing, comprised of three Council members (two of whom voted in favor of land use change, with one who voted against it), with the mission statement: “to review current city policy regarding alcohol licenses, study best practices and options for regulation, recommend city policy and regulations for alcohol licenses to the Council, and make a recommendation or an update by March 31, was approved 7:0. A motion for David Harding to serve as Chair, David Sewell as Vice-chair, and Shannon Ellsworth as a committee member was approved 7:0. There was some disagreement on the approach. Some thought it would be better to first pass licensing to accommodate brewpubs and then begin looking at beer licensing more broadly.
  8. A discussion regarding Interlocal Agreements regarding the Medical School project between the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City and Provo City, Utah County, Provo School District, and the Central Utah Water Conservancy District. (20-051, 54-56)
    Provo City and the Redevelopment Agency have previously approved the sale of 3 holes at the Provo Municipal Golf Course to a developer building a medical school and associated housing. Provo also agreed to use its best efforts to create a tax increment area, now known as a Community Reinvestment Area, on the portion of the development that would be utilized for housing in order to help meet the infrastructure obligations of the proposed development. This is not related to the balance of the medical school development or a reimbursement for the developer paying to relocate the 3 golf holes.

    The proposed interlocal agreements allow for the Redevelopment Agency to capture a portion of the increase in tax revenues associated with the construction of the housing units. The City will use these revenues to pay for enhancements to the golf course and to reimburse the developer for certain sewer improvements needed for the construction of the housing units.
    This is part of the execution of the agreement previously entered into. This item was already scheduled for the Council Meeting on March 10, 2020. The presentation was continued to the Council Meeting.
  9. A discussion regarding the Project Area Plan and budget for The Mix Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-052)
    "The new owners of the former Plumtree Plaza on University Parkway (now known as The MIX) plan to demolish and rebuild the portions of the area they own in order to reestablish and revitalize the center. They have requested help with the construction of the sewer upgrades required for the project.

    The Redevelopment Agency (RDA) has requested an estimated $7.92 million in property tax revenues that will be generated by development within the Project Area to fund a portion of project costs within the Project Area.  These property tax revenues will be used for the following: mandatory housing allocation as required by statute, payment and reimbursement of infrastructure costs, incentives to developers, RDA administrative expenses, taxing entity mitigation payments, and other expenditures as authorized by law.

    These property taxes will be levied by the following governmental entities, and, assuming current tax rates, each will pay the RDA as follows:
    • Provo City -  $1,253,669
    • Utah County - $ $324,042
    • Provo School District - $1,681,946
    • Central Utah Water Conservancy District - $247,901
    All of the property taxes to be paid to the RDA will be generated only if the Project Area is developed.
    It is important to note approval of this resolution does not commit the Agency or any taxing entities future tax increment to a project. Commitment of tax increment would require the affected taxing entities to enter into voluntary agreements with the Agency. A copy of the Project Area Budget is available at the Redevelopment Agency offices in the Provo City Center building.
    " This has been a bit of a nightmare project, probably for everyone involved. I would like to see it get done and done quickly. I do worry, though, that the "increment" is being calculated on the value of the property after they demolished the buildings and drove the businesses out. I don't know if that is fair to use as the baseline. This item was already scheduled for the Council Meeting on March 10, 2020. The presentation was continued to the Council Meeting.

  10. Policy Items Referred from the Planning Commission

  11. A discussion regarding the Utah County Health Department’s preparations for COVID-19  (novel coronavirus). (20-061)
    Members of the Council have requested that the Director of the Utah County Health Department discuss the the coronavirus and the County's preparations. Presentation only. I imagine you've heard something about this topic recently. It was in this presentation that I learned the difference between quarantine and isolation. Quarantine is for people who may have been exposed, isolation is what it's called once the illness is confirmed.
  12. A discussion regarding ordinances approving various amendments to Provo City Code Title 14 for consistency and stylistic purposes (PLOTA20200042) and amending Section 15.08.060 (Impact Fee Calculations). Citywide application. (PLOTA20200042)
    The Provo City Council has proposed amendments to Titles 14 (Zoning) and 15 (Land Use and Development) of the Provo City Code to correspond with recent changes in those Titles. Most of the proposed changes are minor. A full list is included below:
    • Correcting terminology in regards to accessory living spaces in Sections 14.21A.020 and 14.50(9).020
    • Adding “Rail Stations” as a land use type to tables in Sections 14.37.050 and 14.37.065 to clarify that rail/bus terminals and stations/airports bicycle parking standards are reflected under the proper land use
    • Correcting the design standard reference for the Medium Density Residential (MDR) and and High Density Residential (HDR) zones in Sections 14.14B.080 and 14.14B.080
    • Updating the adopted date for Impact Fee Calculations, Section 15.080.060
    Planning Commission recommended approval.
    Presentation only. This item was already scheduled for the Council Meeting on March 10, 2020.
  13. The Public Works Department requests a General Plan Amendment for adoption of the 2020 Transportation Master PlanCitywide application. (PLGPA20200038)
    The Transportation Master Plan (TMP) is an appendix to the General Plan and provides guidance on future transportation needs within the City. The TMP provides information on current and future transportation conditions to be taken into consideration when reviewing future development projects and capital improvements. Planning Commission recommended approval. This item was already scheduled for the Council Meeting on March 10, 2020. The presentation was continued to the Council Meeting. See my report for item 14 in the evening meeting?
  14. Text Amendment to the Professional Office (PO) Zone (Section 14.16.020) to allow private educational services as a conditional use. Citywide application. (PLOTA20200047)
    The proposed Ordinance Text Amendment is a staff-initiated amendment to add “Educational Services” to the list of conditional uses in the Professional Office (PO) zone. State law permits public and charter schools in any zoning district; however, a private educational facility is not currently permitted in a PO zone because “Educational Services” is not listed in the list of permitted uses. Staff feel that, with adherence to the proposed conditions, private educational facilities are compatible with other uses in the PO zones.

    It was recently brought to the attention of staff that a private school occupies an existing office building in an existing PO zone. The school was initially permitted there because it was thought to be a charter school; however, it is actually a private school and therefore is not currently permitted. The school has been operational for several months and does not seem to be causing major impacts to the surrounding properties, so the proposal to allow private educational facilities as conditional uses, with specific codified conditions, seemed the logical way to allow the school to continue operating in the zone.

    Proposed conditions to which a private educational facility would be required to adhere when operating in a PO zone include:
    • 1. Following the parking provisions of Section 14.37.060 of the Provo City Code;
    • 2. Having a detailed parking and circulation plan prepared by a professional which empirically concludes the existing or proposed facility will not negatively affect area traffic or surrounding uses;
    • 3. Conform to all health, safety, and building codes; and
    • 4. No exterior lighting shall shine directly into adjoining properties.
    The owner of the property had previously requested that a portion of the lot that had been zoned as Public Facilities (PF) be rezoned to Low Density Residential (LDR) to accommodate townhomes, but neighbors had concerns about the impact on traffic, future development, and aesthetics. in the Council Meeting on January 7, 2020, the Council rejected the proposed rezone 7:0.

    Planning Commission recommended approval.
    This item was already scheduled for the Council Meeting on March 10, 2020. The presentation was continued to the Council Meeting.

  15. Closed Meeting

    Closed meetings (aka executive meetings) are held without the public present and must meet one of the conditions listed in Utah State Code (§ 52-4-204 and 52-4-205 et. seq.). If a closed meeting is needed, it will be announced at that time. A closed meeting was held.

    Adjournment



PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Agenda

5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 10, 2020


    Opening Ceremony

    Items in this category do not involve legislative action.

    Public Comment

    • This public comment period is intended to allow comment on matters that do not appear on the agenda. Each speaker will generally be limited to two minutes. Fifteen minutes has been set aside for this comment period.
    • For items on the agenda requiring a public hearing, time to comment will be provided, after the item is presented, for all those who wish to speak.
    • For items not requiring a public hearing, public comment will still be taken following presentation of the item, but will be limited to a ten minute total comment period.


    Redevelopment Agency of Provo

    The Provo Municipal Council also serves as the executive board of the Redevelopment Agency (RDA). Certain items must be heard by the RDA.

    Consent Agenda

    Items in this category will be voted on together. All items on the Redevelopment Agency of Provo Consent Agenda were approved 7:0. These all relate to our commitment made during the negotiation that we would create a Community Reinvestment Project Area for the housing portion of the medical school.
  1. A resolution authorizing the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City to enter into an interlocal agreement with Provo School District for the Provo Medical School Community Reinvestment Project Area . (20-056)
  2. This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda.
  3. A resolution authorizing the Redevelopment Agency Of Provo City to enter into an interlocal agreement with Central Utah Water Conservancy District for The Provo Medical School Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-055)
  4. This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda.
  5. A resolution authorizing the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City to enter into an interlocal agreement with Provo City for The Provo Medical School Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-051)
  6. This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda.
  7. A resolution authorizing the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City to enter into an interlocal agreement with Utah County for The Provo Medical School Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-054)
  8. This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda.

    Action Agenda

  9. A resolution of the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City Approving adopting the Project Area Plan for The Mix Community Reinvestment Project Area.(20-052)
  10. This was item 9 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 5:2, with David Harding and David Shipley opposed. I said in the meeting, shortly after this vote, that I had made a mistake by not voting for this item. This item is specifically about the creation of the project area and I do not object to that.
  11. A resolution Redevelopment Agency of Provo City approving and adopting The Community Reinvestment Project Area Budget for The Mix Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-053)
  12. This was item 9 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 4:3, with David Harding, Travis Hoban, and David Shipley opposed. This is the item that I object to. The budget for the project area sets the "baseline" on valuation years into the project when many of the buildings had been torn down. If we grant tax increment incentives then the increment should be calculated from what was there before, not once everything is in disarray.

    Action Agenda (Provo Municipal Council)

  13. A resolution appointing individuals to The Metropolitan Water Board Of Provo. (20-003)
  14. Three people will be appointed to fill vacancies on the Metropolitan Water District Board. Approved 6:1, with Shannon Ellsworth opposed. We had an abundance of well-qualified applicants to serve. It was a pleasant chore to try to pick between such capable people willing to serve their community.
  15. An ordinance approving various amendments to Provo City Code Title 14 for consistency and stylistic purposes. Citywide application. (PLOTA20200042)
  16. This was item 11 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 7:0. Clerical.
  17. An ordinance amending Provo City Code Section 15.08.060 (Impact Fee Calculations). Citywide application. (PLOTA20200042)
  18. This was item 11 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 7:0. Clerical.
  19. A resolution authorizing Provo City to enter into an interlocal agreement with the Redevelopment Agency Of Provo City for The Provo Medical School Community Reinvestment Project Area.(20-051)
  20. This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 7:0. This is the flip side of the consent agenda voted on by the RDA board.
  21. An ordinance amending Provo City Code relating to Section 18.03.040 and the Drainage Manual. Citywide Application. (20-050)
  22. At a December 2019 Council meeting, Public Works presented generally on the topic of upcoming State of Utah rule changes regarding stormwater retention and low-impact development. Now that the rule is going into effect, they are presenting the specific changes they are recommending be adopted in the Storm Drainage Manual and to Title 18 of City Code. Approved 7:0. This is a good improvement to City policy. It is a better, more responsible way to handle stormwater and brings us in line with State law.
  23. An ordinance of Provo City Adopting the Community Reinvestment Project Area Plan for The Mix Community Reinvestment Project Area. (20-052)
  24. This was item 9 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 5:2, with David Harding and David Shipley opposed. This is the flip side of the item I voted against on the Redevelopment Agency Board.
  25. An ordinance amending Provo City Code Relating to the Professional Office (PO) Zone to allow private educational services as a conditional use. Citywide application. (PLOTA20200047)
  26. This was item 13 on the work meeting agenda. Approved 7:0. There was some thought that instead of allowing private schools in the PO zone, we should consider changing the zoning property in question to PF, which already allows private schools. But the proposal before us was whether private schools should be allowed in the PO zone, and I agree that that is a perfectly acceptable use in a PO zone. There may still be a request in the future to change the zone for that property, at which time I'll consider the arguments for that action.
  27. An ordinance amending the Provo City General Plan relating to the Transportation Master Plan. Citywide Application. (PLGPA20200038)
  28. This was item 12 on the work meeting agenda. Continued to the Council Meeting on March 31, 2020. I think this is the first real opportunity for this Council to decide on long-range City policy and vision. The biggest point of discussion was around the proposed $70M expansion of 800 N, and whether it was needed, justified, or desirable. That's a lot of money. More broadly, some concern was expressed that the proposed TMP was too auto-centric.
  29. ***CONTINUED*** Comm. & Nbhd. Services Dept. requests ord. amend. to City Code 15.20.090--Parking Lot Landscaping. Request seeks to increase the min. canopy coverage & landscaping arrangement within new parking areas. Citywide appl. (PLOTA20190433)
  30. This item was not ready to be heard.
  31. ***CONTINUED*** The Community and Neighborhood Services Department requests various Code Amendments to Titles 14 and 15 to allow for driveway and parking lot surfaces that are more permeable. Citywide application. (PLOTA20190411)
  32. This item was not ready to be heard.

    Adjournment