Town Halls on Parking

Last night, the Provo City Council held a town hall meeting to discuss a recommendation by the Parking Committee to create an On-Street Parking Management Area in Joaquin Neighborhood. The crowd overflowed the Council Chambers. The anger, concern, and frustration were evident, but everyone who addressed the Council did so in a clear and civil manner that was appreciated. We listened to concerns, we responded to questions, and we hear some good suggestions. I hope everyone left with a better understanding of what is being proposed and why.

(I took pictures of some of the creative signs brought to the meeting. This was well before the starting time, before the room was full.)

Unfortunately, we ran out of time and towards the end we asked everyone already in line and waiting virtually to speak to do so quickly and without the councilors responding. A lot of questions and good points were left unaddressed. I promised to hold some follow-up meetings with another chance for everyone to speak and hopefully I'll be able to respond to them all. I invite everyone who is interested in the issue to come, listen, and participate in the discussion.

Council Meetings - 16 November 2021

The agenda for tomorrow is bursting at its seams. I'm most anxious about the items on ADUs and the on-street parking management tool. We will be certifying the results of the election. I'm pretty excited about the Energy Department items.

PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Work Meeting Agenda

12:00 pm, Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Business

1. A presentation from the Housing Committee regarding an ordinance change for ADU’s to comply with Utah State Law. (21-102)
   Presentation on zoning compliance process with ADUs. When properly used, I am a big fan of ADUs. They can help stabilize neighborhoods that are transitioning to less owner-occupancy. They can help aspiring homeowners afford a home sooner at the same time as providing more options for people looking to rent. They tip the scales in favor of aspiring homeowners and away from investors. Motion to hear at November 30, 2021 Council Meeting, motion made by Councilor Harding, seconded by Councilor Fillmore, passed 7-0
2. A presentation from the Sign Committee regarding the development and adoption of a nighttime brightness standard for on premises electronic digital signs. (19-102)
   As Electronic Digital Signs become more widely used by businesses to advertise their services, there exists a potential for the light illuminating from these signs to cause a public nuisance, especially when those businesses are close to residential neighborhoods. The Sign Committee has been working with local sign companies and national standards that have been adopted by other jurisdictions to create a nighttime brightness standard to minimize the impacts of the light emitted from Electronic Digital Signs in areas in and around residential neighborhoods. We already have a brightness standard that is relative to ambient light. So at night, when ambient light is much less, these signs must have much lower brightness. I'm curious to hear why this approach is better than our current approach. Presentation Only.



Administration: Mayor's Update

3. A presentation regarding new Electric Rates for Shared Solar and Pilot Time of Use Rate. (21-109)
   Shared Solar is a community solar project built in Spanish Fork to provide residents the opportunity to purchase solar power and lock in the generation cost without the capital outlay required when purchasing solar for the rooftop. This also allows residents who are not able to purchase solar for their homes because of circumstances beyond their control such as HOA covenants, renting or roof issues to purchase a slice of renewable generation. Time of Use (TOU) rates allow customers to shift the time they use energy from the peak in the City from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. By shaving the peak, the City will pay less for the power and the savings will be given back to the customer. The customer will need to be diligent in not using energy during the peak time of the day in order to save money on their bill. In addition, we have added an electric vehicle charging rate for those who would like to save money when charging their vehicle from midnight to 8:00 am in the morning. I'm excited about the Shared Solar project. I hope anyone considering roof-top solar also looks into this option.
   
   I'm even more excited about the Time of Use rates. Not all electricity is created equal. The cost to the City to provide electricity depends on when it is used. With our current rate structure, residents aren't incentivized to avoid using electricity when it is most expensive for the City to provide it. Most aren't even aware of costly and cheap times. This pilot program will give residents the option to save money by helping the City save money. By aligning our financial incentives, it is a better deal for all. Presentation Only.
4. A presentation regarding compensation for Police Officers. (21-110)
   Over the last several months, law enforcement agencies across Utah have been significantly increasing their compensation programs for police officers in an effort to more effectively recruit and retain officers. Recruiting and retention of officers has become quite challenging due to fewer aspiring police officers entering the field of law enforcement, the very tight labor market and low unemployment rates, and declining morale among officers in general due to changing societal attitudes toward the law enforcement profession. As Provo has begun to experience recruiting and retention challenges, city staff undertook a special market analysis and discovered that the City is less competitive in police compensation than we were just a few months ago. HR staff and the interim police chief will be presenting the results of the market study and requesting a future agenda item for an appropriation to make changes to the City’s compensation structure for police officers to address the imbalance. I support the general policy that Provo needs to offer adequate, market-rate pay to recruit and retain quality employees. This is particularly true for first-responders who put their safety on the line to protect our community. Presentation Only.



Policy Items Referred from the Planning Commission

5. An ordinance amending Provo City Code to Define Sign Copy Area. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210318)
   Provo City Development Services is requesting an ordinance text amendment to add new definitions to Title 14. The proposed amendment is specific to Chapter 14.38.160, definitions pertaining to signs, and will provide a new definition for “sign copy area” and “sign face area” to this Title to be applied to signs within Provo City. Planning Commission recommended approval 6:0. I consider this "code clean-up" to clarify our code, not substantially changing the regulations. Presentation Only.
6. An ordinance amending Provo City Code to adopt updated Local Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210341)
   This is an annual update. Provo City Planning has reviewed the proposed changes from Provo City Public Works and supports the updates and amendments proposed. Planning Commission recommended approval. The yearly updates help keep our standards current. As an engineer, I enjoy looking over the drawings and tables. Presentation Only.
7. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately 3.8 acres of real property, generally located at 1400 W 890 South from Residential Agricultural (RA) to One Family Residential (R1.10) Zone. Sunset Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210344)
   Zach Steele is requesting approval of a zone map amendment from the RA zone to the R1.10 for 3.58 acres of land in the Sunset neighborhood. This land has historically been used for agricultural purposes by the Steeles, but they now desire to create building lots for members of the family. Initially, the plan was to create one or two lots at a time by using the RA zone. However, when the applicant began the subdivision process, it was found that they would have to abandon existing utility feeds built under 890 South. Since the long-term plan for the Steele family is to create additional lots for family members, it did not make financial sense to kill these feeds just to re-install them at a later date. Therefore, the proposal now is to amend the zone to R1.10 and create five building lots. Four of the lots would access 890 South, and the fifth off of 990 South. Planning Commission recommended approval 6:0. This project has been brought up in the past with the idea that it would remain RA. They are asking for an R1.10 zone, but dividing 3.5 acres into five parts means that the average lot size would be around 30,000 sq ft. What assurances would we have that no more than five homes would be built? I'd be okay with more than five lots, but we need to understand what we are approving. With five lots of this size, I'm not worried about housing type diversity, but that would become an issue for me if more homes are possible. Presentation Only.
8. An ordinance amending Provo City Code regarding Floodplain Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210362)
   The applicant is requesting an ordinance text amendment to update the building elevation requirements within the floodplain. Requirements are currently 1 (one) foot above the base flood elevation (BFE). The proposal is to require a 3 foot above BFE requirement in the floodplain to add increased protection in a flood event. Additionally, the applicant is proposing changes to the Provo River setback in order to allow more building options in areas adjacent to the Provo River and outside of the floodplain. Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. I appreciate the attempt to balance flood mitigation with development opportunities. I'm looking forward to understanding this proposal better. Presentation Only.
9. An ordinance enacting the Airport and Airport Industrial Zones and related Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210299)
   The Community and Neighborhood Services Department has proposed to amend the Provo City Code to add the Airport Zones chapter as Chapter 14.17D and Airport Adjacent Design Standards as Section 14.34.296. This chapter includes two zones, the Airport (A) zone and Airport Industrial (AI) zone. The two airport zones correlate together, and staff saw a need to combine two zones into one zoning chapter of the Provo City Code. In relation to the Airport zones the Signs and Outdoor Advertising (14.38), Standards for Conditional Uses (14.34.250) and Supplemental Landscaping Requirements (15.20.080) are being amended. Staff works closely with the Airport and other professional organizations and municipalities in drafting the Airport Zones chapter. Planning Commission recommended approval 6:0. There were no documents provided, so I only have the background provided. I'm not clear how much of this is a reorganization and how much is new. Presentation Only.
10. An ordinance amending the Zone Map Classification of approximately 899.25 acres of real property, generally located at 3421 Mike Jense Parkway from Public Facilities (PF) and Agriculture (A1) To Airport (A). Provo Bay Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210300)
    The Community and Neighborhood Services Department, on behalf of the Airport Director, requests various parcels be rezoned to the proposed Airport (A) zone (14.17D). Staff has worked closely with the Airport Director in drafting the language of the proposed zone and with the City Ombudsman on a list of parcels to be rezoned. There is no proposed development requesting to utilize this zone; however, the existing airport property is included in the rezone request. Planning Commission recommended approval 6:0. This proposal would apply the proposed Airport zone to the airport entirely owned by Provo City. Presentation Only.



Business

11. A presentation from the Neighborhood Program Review Committee regarding the possible changes to the Neighborhood Program. (21-071)
    The Neighborhood Program Review Committee has some recommendations for the direction of the Neighborhood Program and would like to get approval from the full Council before getting into the finer details. I appreciate the work of this committee and look forward to better understanding their recommendations. However, I have mixed feelings about what I understand so far. Motion to accept the three recommendations from the Neighborhood Program Review Committee and to continue working on the Neighborhood Program made by Councilor Ellsworth seconded by Councilor Fillmore, motion passed (6-1) with Councilor Sewell voting no.



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. motion to close the meeting made by Councilor Handley, second by Councilor Ellsworth passed (7-0)



Adjournment

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PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Board of Canvassers

Agenda

1. A resolution of the Mayor and the Municipal Council sitting as the Board of Canvassers accepting the election returns and declaring and certifying the results of the vote for General Elections held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. (21- 092)
   This is a presentation of the final vote tallies in the municipal general election. Congrats to Michelle Kaufusi, Katrice MacKay, George Handley, and Rachel Whipple on winning their races. And I want to express my heart-felt gratitude to Ken Dudley, Aaron Skabelund, and Coy Porter for their willingness to run. Motion to approve the resolution made by Councilor Hoban, second by Councilor Fillmore, motion passed (8-0)




Adjournment

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PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Regular Meeting Agenda

6:00 PM, Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Opening Ceremony

Items in this category do not involve legislative action.



Public Comment

Instructions for making public comments at this electronic meeting can be found on the officially published agenda: agendas.provo.org.

Dial (346) 248-7799. Enter Meeting ID 811 6507 8598 and press #. When asked for a participant ID, press #. To join via computer, use the same meeting ID and enter passcode: 202517.

Fifteen minutes have been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, or issues that are not on the agenda:

Please state your name and city of residence into the microphone.

Please limit your comments to two minutes.

State Law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda.



Action Agenda

1. A resolution adopting the 2022 Council Regular Meeting Schedule (21-108)
   Pursuant to Utah Code Section 52-4-202(2), at least once each year the Municipal Council is required to give public notice of the Council's regular meetings that are scheduled in advance over the course of a year. Many considerations go into creating this. The proposed calendar looks good to me, but then again, it won't affect me as much as it has the past six years! Passed; 7-0
2. A resolution consenting to the mayor’s appointment of the City Recorder for Provo City. (21-111)
   With the appointment of Amanda Ercanbrack as the Director of Customer Service, the Council’s advice and consent is requested on the Mayor’s appointment of a new City Recorder. Amanda Ercanbrack has been a joy to work with and leaves some large shoes to fill. Passed; 7-0
3. A resolution consenting to the appointment of individuals to the Planning Commission. (21-039)
   The Mayor has recommended Miles Miller and Peter Fife to be appointed to the Planning Commission. These names have been presented to the Council and the Council has been asked to approve the resolution granting their advice and consent. The applications for these two individuals are quite impressive. I'm grateful to all who are willing to serve our community on our boards and commissions. Passed; 6-1 with Council Ellsworth voting No
4. An ordinance Amending Provo City Code to Define Sign Copy Area. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210318)
   This was item 5 in the work meeting. See my preview of item 5 in the earlier meeting. Passed; 7-0
5. An ordinance amending Provo City Code to adopt updated Local Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210341)
   This was item 6 in the work meeting. See my preview of item 6 in the earlier meeting. Passed; 7-0
6. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately 3.8 acres of real property, generally located at 1400 W 890 South from Residential Agricultural (RA) to One Family Residential (R1.10) Zone. Sunset Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210344)
   This was item 7 in the work meeting. See my preview of item 7 in the earlier meeting. Implied Motion Passed 7-0, Motion to reconsider passed 7-0, motion to amend passed 7-0, new implied motion passed 7-0
7. An ordinance amending Provo City Code regarding Floodplain Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210362)
   This was item 8 in the work meeting See my preview of item 8 in the earlier meeting. Passed; 7-0
8. An ordinance enacting the Airport and Airport Industrial Zones and related Development Standards. Citywide Application. (PLOTA20210299)
   This was item 9 in the work meeting. See my preview of item 9 in the earlier meeting. Passed; 7-0
9. An ordinance amending the Zone Map Classification of approximately 899.25 acres of real property, generally located at 3421 Mike Jense Parkway from Public Facilities (PF) and Agriculture (A1) To Airport (A). Provo Bay Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210300)
   This was item 10 in the work meeting. See my preview of item 10 in the earlier meeting. Passed; 7-0
10. An ordinance enacting On-Street Parking Management Regulations. Citywide Application. (21-028)
    The Parking Committee proposes a new parking paradigm called the On-Street Parking Management (OSPM) program that would be created with the proposed Provo City Code Chapter 9.90. The Parking Manager would have the authority to apply the solutions in Chapter 9.90 within a Council-approved OSPM area without returning to the Council for every change, though they would have to notify residents in affected areas. The Parking Manager could create parking zones where one of two parking management strategies could be applied: 1. Paid timed parking 2. Permit parking with paid timed parking. The item on the agenda would create a tool for on-street parking management. Any application of the tool would need to be decided on at a future time. This Thursday, there will be a town hall meeting to discuss the possible application of this tool in the Joaquin Neighborhood. Passed; 7-0
11. ***CONTINUED*** An Ordinance Text Amendment to Title 15, to add a new chapter establishing policies and procedures for the dedication of private streets and utilities. Citywide application. (PLOTA20210360)
    This item was continued by the Planning Commission.
12. ***CONTINUED*** ordinance amending the zone map classification of approximately .77 acres of real property, generally located at 46 W to 90 W 800 North, from Residential Conservation (RC) to Campus Mixed Use (CMU) Zone. North Park Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210112)
    This item was continued by the Planning Commission.
13. ***CONTINUED*** A request to amend Code Sections 14.08.020, 14.09.020, 14.10.020, & Chapter. 14.30 to allow ADUs as accessory uses to owner-occupied, single-family detached dwg. in the A1, RA, R1 Zones & refine the dev. std. for ADUs. Citywide (PLOTA20210345)
    This item was not ready to be heard.
14. ***CONTINUED*** Community and Neighborhood Services requests a complete revision of the Provo General Plan to guide growth and development for the next 10 to 20 years in Provo. Citywide application. (PLGPA20210364)
    This item was continued by the Planning Commission.
15. ***CONTINUED*** Community and Neighborhood Services requests the adoption of the Provo Conservation and Resiliency Plan to support the 2021 General Plan Update. Citywide application. (PLGPA20210367)
    This item was continued by the Planning Commission.




Adjournment