Recap! City Council 7.20.2021

 

City Council Recap!

Heyo my peeps! How is everyone doing?? A few of these items have already been addressed so I will try to keep this short and sweet. In hopes to simplify things, I will post about new business and reports tomorrow.

Davis County Sheriff's Office: Every quarter our favoirte DSCO sheriff Chris Pope comes to report to the council the latest going-ons and stats for SWC. If you haven't had a chance to listen in, I encourage you to do so. Lots of great information in terms of our public safety and all the things the officers our doing for our city. DSCO is reporting an average of 99 hours a week in our city, 52 daytime hours and 47 night time hours. We have only had 3 break-ins which is significantly less than in the past couple of years and hope it is because of the constant police presence on our streets. They have been instructed to be observing and be observed on our streets to lower crime and it appears to be working! It was reported the radar trailer is significantly helping the traffic on Old Maple Roads and most speeders on that street continue to be local traffic. Old Maples Roads will have road striping done soon to paint speed limits as well as stop sign lines as not coming to complete stop has been a problem at the intersection.

•South Weber Gateway Rezone (poll property west of Highmark): This rezone request included 8.85 acres to a residential R7 zone and 2.78 acres commercial highway zone. The concept plan attached to this rezone request included 63 townhomes and 6 commercial buildings, however the only action item was on the rezone. The concept plan will still need to go through preliminary and final approval through staff and the planning commission. This action item was passed with 3 council members in favor and 2 not. Each council member voiced their reasoning for the vote which you can listen to on the YouTube channel linked below.

•Stephens Property Rezone (corner of 475 E and Old Fort Road): This request was to rezone this property to all commercial highway. In the past this property has had a residential component to it, however, this time it was strictly commercial highway only. The council favored this rezone and as with the other property gave their reasonings for doing so before voting.

•Riverside Place Subdivision: This subdivision is located on the west end of town near the posse grounds and is phase 4 of the subdivision. It includes 13 lots. There was some discussion of the fencing that needs to be replaced adjacent to the Posse Grounds. This is also an area where we have gotten complaints of excessive trash and garbage. Staff was instructed to increase code enforcement in this area in that regard. The action item was approved unanimously.

•Pickleball court donations: Mayor Jo has been gathering donations for pickle ball courts in Canyon Meadows. Because of these funds there will be 8 total pickle ball courts (4 paid for by the city and 4 paid for by citizens). Donors will have plaques placed at the park for their donations. Mayor Jo showed 3 different types of plaques based on the donation amount, paid for by the donation fund. The parks and rec committee brought it to the council for their opinion. The council favored the plaques for the donors but wanted the total amount of donations, where the donation money was spent and the plaque costs and donation amounts as part of the public record so it was clear where donation funds were spent vs. city funds.

And that's a wrap! Stay tuned for tomorrow to review updates and reports from the mayor and council for further happenings going on in the city.

Link to the packet: http://southwebercity.com/file/2016/11/0-CC-2021-07-20-Packet.pdf

Watch the meeting live:

Segment: Why I voted the way I did - The Stephens Property

This past week the council voted on a parcel that has had a lot of intereston from to public on the agenda; a rezone request from Agriculture to Commercial Highway. Want the short version? Skip to the bottom. 🙂

A public hearing on this parcel to hear from the public was done at the planning commission level in June. There were no comments about this item and the PC recommended unanimously to the council for approval. This also passed the council unanimously. You can watch this agenda item unfold for both the planning commission and city council on our YouTube channel. I will link them below.

Alright, let’s dive in. As I stated this passed the council with a favorable vote, which of course means I voted yes. Here’s why:

•this property received an overwhelming support during the general plan feedback to be commercial Highway. The developer has approached the council and planning commission numerous times in the past, each time with a High density residential component. Each of these presentations failed because of the desires of the community to not have more HDH developments and mixed use. The developer decided to come back and ask for exactly what we were projecting it to be, commercial highway. This is in line with the general plan and also in line with the feedback of the general plan survey. I know because I had just read all 4,500 comments again just a few months earlier.

•Another item of note was the uses within our CH zone. During the survey of the general plan, we realized a lot of the uses we allowed did not conform to the desires of the residents. Thus the code committee immediately got to work and revamped all the uses. The general plan feedback was highly considered and utilized while updating to better align with what the citizens would like by way of commercial. When we were finished, the uses went before the Planning Commission for a public hearing to get further from the public with how we did. The planning commission recommended the updated uses to the city council who passed the ordinance change unanimously. Why does this matter? Because at the time we were allowing a lot of uses we soon realized the public did not want; truck stops, RV parks and such. Better aligning our code with the desires of the community meant that we would attract only what we want and would not have our hands tied to accept something we didn’t want. As a member of the code committee, I felt we worked hard to use the feedback from the citizens to shape our new uses. The public feedback we did receive mostly included to remove a truck stop to which we had already done.

•Some caveats:

This did not come forward with a concept plan as the developer is hoping the zoning being CH will allow for more committtment. Having come to the table in the past and unable to proceed forward created a loss of confidence from potential buyers. Because of this, the developer does not have a presentation at this time, but will be allowed the uses within the zone and will be required to meet all the standards of the zone.

•This area is set to be master planned. In a previous meeting I stated that I wanted to have a code for master planning completed so that when these properties come to us (those that have hatch marks on the general plan) we can have greater control with what comes to that area and other upgrades or things they need to do to create a uniform and complete feel. While this idea was not denied, it also did not receive a lot of support. The code committee has been overwhelmed at many other projects that also need to be addressed ASAP and the priority of developing a code for master planning has been moved to work on other very needed items. However, codifying a master plan arrangement still remains a high priority for me and I will work hard to make sure it is given the attention it needs as soon as we are feasibly able.

•Too long/didn’t read (TLDR): In summary, I voted yes to this rezone because I felt it followed the general plan and because we had updated our uses to better align with the vision of the citizens. The public was given the ability and time to review this revisions and were updated just in time before this development came before us (phew!). Because of this, I favored this rezone request, but still believe more work is needed within our code to guarantee the best development for this property.

Planning Commission meeting

City Council meeting

Segment: Why I voted the way I did - Poll Property

 Happy Thursday South Weber!

I wanted to take a moment and address the vote the council had before us on Tuesday evening regarding the rezone request for the development on the property west of Highmark Charter School. It was my intention at the time of the vote to give numerous reasons for my “no” vote, but when the time came I only mentioned one. Here are my other reasons as well:

•I have serious concerns about the traffic/congestion of this development in an area where we already have a great deal of traffic. 2100 E continues to have increased traffic and close calls at that intersection. While a traffic study will be required when a concept plan is going under approvals, it will only tell us if the road can physically handle the traffic (which it can) but won’t clearly relay information about how that traffic will impact residents. In short, it is something we will have to work with, rather than prevent.

•While the concept plan presented isn’t tied to the development and will still need to go through the approval process and it is likely some changes will be made, it concerned me to have 2 story townhomes looking directly into the playing/recess field of Highmark. A lower density on this project would’ve meant a greater buffer distance between this field and a higher likelihood of single level homes, where one wouldn’t be able to see into the playing field from an upstairs room, which I find unsettling.

•This parcel of 10 acres was slated to be all commercial. I do agree that it would be difficult for South Weber to fulfill that much commercial and I will admit I was in favor of lowering the percentage of commercial **if** it lowered the overall density of this development. The acreage of commercial went down, but the residential portion still requested the highest amount of density available to them on the majority of the parcel. What the final proposal ended up being is residential with some commercial, instead of commercial with some residential. Had the residential portion been on less acreage or a lower zoning density, I would’ve been more open to the plan.

•I have concerns approving this development will set a precedent for other properties that have cross hatchmarks. What is stop them from presenting to us 20% commercial in exchange for 80% HDH residential on a property we are hoping to have as mostly commercial? Nothing. When we have done it for one property, it will be difficult to argue no to another property.

•And finally, for the reasons I stated at this meeting, I do feel this went against the feedback we received on our General Plan. The general plan is shaped by the feedback of the residents - it is their right and privilege to weigh in on how their future city will be developed. It was abundantly clear that majority of the city did not favor adding anymore multi-family zoning other than what was already built or zoned. I understand that sometimes in city matters, compromising is key. However, in my opinion this didn’t compromise enough when they chose the highest zone they had available to them on 80% of the property. A patio home zone, which would’ve been closer to 40 homes instead of 62 would’ve been far more enticing to me to work with.

This rezone request passed 3-2. As the approval process begins, I promise to ensure all aspects of our code have been met and will address some of these concerns at that time as a plea to the developer to consider. Sometimes developers are willing to work with a project even though they have a right to do more. Thank you for being involved. Difficult decisions aren’t easy to make, but I appreciate hearing from my constituents how they feel and helps me know how best to represent them.

If you desire, below is the meeting. Every council member weighed in on why they voted the way they did in case you would like to hear it straight from them.

Recap! June 2021 City Council Meetings

Hiya friends!  How is everyone doing?  I have been living up summer and making up for what 2020 took from all of us and loving it.   But I know you have all been so very anxious to read our recap of July, am I right?  We have a lot of exciting and important things to be aware of in our city! One quick note – the meeting scheduled for July 13^th which will have 2 rezone requests on the agenda has been moved to July 20^th.  We did not have everyone on the council able to attend on the 13^th and the council wanted a full council to be there for that item.  

 

•Storm Drain Capital Facilities Plan, Street Maintenance Project and Davis County Sheriff’s Office contract:  A public hearing was done on June 8^th for our storm drain CFP plan.  The packet includes a in depth study of our storm drain (last done in 1999) functionality and any needed expansion.  The costs outlined in the study include the basis for future development needs (paid for by impact fees) and storm drain fees for current residents.   Also included in the packet is a review of all our street maintenance projects.  This includes updates to Old Fort Road, 475 E, Raymond Drive, Kingston Drive and Harper Way and crack and fill in the Canyon Meadows area.  DSCO contract was re-negotiated.  The price per call to DSCO has increased from $31.51 to $32.45 resulting in an increase to services from roughly $8900 to $9900/year. These costs are based on a 5-year average and reviewed annually.    

 

•CLFRF Funds: The money for the latest stimulus bill from the federal government, now called the CLFRF, will be bringing roughly $927,000 to South Weber.  We will have 3 years to utilize these funds.  The specifics for these funds are broader the CARES act funds.  They can be used for infrastructure for sewer, water, or broadband among others.  The council will be having many future discussions on how best to utilize this additional revenue.   

 

RAP Tax: The council approved adding to the ballot a recreation, arts and park tax.  For every $.01 spent in sales tax in SWC, $10 will come back to the city to use for parks, rec and the arts.  Arguments for and against this tax can be written by the citizens.  The city – who will be neutral on this item – will provide more information to help you be an informed voter.  It is expected that if this passes, it will bring in roughly $40,000 a year in extra revenue to the parks and rec – which currently has no budget. 

 

Truth in taxation: On August 17^th the city will hold a truth and taxation hearing to propose an increase to the certified tax rate.  This is for the paramedic services.  Currently residents pay the county for these services, but as they are being discontinued at the county level, it will be redirected to the city.  It is anticipated it will cost the average home in South Weber $4.65/month for the city to provide this service, approximately half of which residents were already paying to the county.  There will be more information coming out soon on the city’s website to help inform you all of this action.  

 

Fraud Risk Assessment:  Our latest fraud risk assessment report has been completed.  The admin and finance committee spearheaded by Council members Soderquist and Winsor had a goal to drop our risk (which was in the moderate level last year) to low this year.  This report shows the city has achieved that goal and our very close to s “very low” risk standing.  Good work team!

 

Other exciting things:  Our dog park is open! Yay! I hope all of you who have furbabies are able to enjoy this newest amenity to our city.  • The Youth City Council is preparing to take new applications for the 2021-2022 school year starting right Country Fair Days.   • Country Fair Days is right around the corner! Be sure to check the website to get in on all the latest happenings!  • A committee was created to speak with Davis County School District regarding the air conditioning at the FAC (or lack thereof) and create a new agreement to better balance the shared ownership of the FAC between the school district and the city.  • The city has a new community service director, Trevor Cahoon.  We have sadly said goodbye to Shari Phippen, our contracted city planner.  The community service director position will now cover planning, communication, and HR.  Trevor was picked after an extensive interview process and the hiring panel unanimously recommended him for the position.  Trevor will be introduced to everyone at the next city council meeting on July 20^th.

 

Reports:  Mayor Jo reported that HAFB is anticipating a $75 billion dollar program which will bring a 125% increase to the economy, bring 4700 more jobs including the additional 2000 already planned.  There is a great push from the state to bring in more high-density housing to help accommodate this growth.  

 

Councilman Winsor:  The code committee has met and is working on updating landscaping to include xeriscaping and water conservation for those residents who wish to do so.  Staff is working on other code items such as dust mitigation and noise.  The municipal utility committee is reviewing proposals for high-speed internet options. 

 

Councilwoman Petty: The parks and rec committee is working on bringing forward an agreement with the train club for Canyon Meadows Park that will be voted on by the council.  Things are underway for the updates at CMP west where new pickleball courts, a tactical bike ride course, a basketball court and other items are coming.  Rising costs in supplies have required the committee to constantly revisit budget constraints and make changes.  

 

Councilman Soderquist: US89 project is currently working at ¼ due to rising costs and shortages of the supply needed but are still moving forward.  The gravel pits are also under restrictions which means they aren’t able to water down the dust in the morning.  As liason to the pits, they will be placing collection bins in different areas of the city (17 boxes in all) to discover where the dust is coming from.  This is a beginning step in hopes to work towards a resolution to this problem.

 

Councilwoman Alberts: The PR committee has been working hard on the new website and ensuring all the data and documents have been migrated over.  The new website needs some additional work before it will be ready to go live but we are excited about what we will have to offer soon.  All candidates running for office will be asked a series of questions which will be on the city’s website for all residents to refer to for more information on who to vote for.   Because of the primary for mayoral candidates, they will be available in the next few days. We will share this information with residents as soon as it is ready.  

 

Councilman Halverson: Lots of happened in the PC.  Riverside final phasing was recommended as well as a rezone request to the council for the Poll property located just west of Highmark as well as a recommended rezone request for the Stephens property (coming to the council July 20^th). 

You can watch these meetings on the city's YouTube channel by clicking here.

Find the packet for the June 8th meeting here and the packet for the June 22nd meeting here.