Recap! City Council 2.23.2021

Scroll down for the recap for the 2/23/21 City Council meeting!.  You can watch the meeting by clicking the YouTube video below.  If you have further questions -  be sure to check out the packet and the minutes.

City Council Recap! 2.23.2021

(Part 1....it's a long one!)

•The city recognized planning commissioners Tim Grub and Rob Osborne who resigned from the planning commission. We thank them and their families for their dedication to the city.

•Lester Drive & 7375 South development and connection: Layne Kap came before the council to present a proposal to the city regarding city owned property near Lester Drive. This property was purchased by the city years ago to ensure a connection would happen allowing for 2 exits/entrances to South Weber Elementary school. Layne would like to be able to develop the lots and complete the connection of the road to 7375 South. Further discussion took place later during a closed session to discuss the purchase, lease or exchange of property.

•Planning Commission Code Changes: The council has been discussing changes to the planning commission and have been split on the best option moving forward, specifically speaking with the number of commissioners. After some deliberation, a motion was put forth to change the code to change the length of term to 3 years, 2 consecutive terms, and 5 members of the planning commission. There was also some changes to the policies and the procedures as well as the bylaws. The vote passed 3-2, with the 2 dissenting votes being in favor of 7 members rather than 5.

•3 new planning commission members: Following this motion, the vacancies of the planning commissions were filled. Jeremy Davis, Julie Losee & Taylor Walton were recommended. Taylor Walton will finish out the remaining 2 years of Rob Osborne’s position ending in January of 2023, Julie Losee will finish out the remainder of Tim Grubb’s position ending in January 2024, and Jeremey Davis will complete the vacancy of 3 years ending in January of 2024. All three applicants were approved and will assume their roles in the Planning Commission immediately.

•Kelly Miles: Representative Kelly Miles joined the council to discuss happenings during the open session. Councilwoman Alberts relayed some comments from the public encouraging control to stay local. She also urged Kelly Miles to vote no to HB98 (Building inspection amendments) and addressed several concerns she had with it. Councilman Winsor expressed gratitude to Kelly for voting no on HB82 (ADU’s). Representative Miles was able to meet with Councilwoman Alberts, Councilman Winsor, Mayor Jo and City Manager David Larsen last week regarding some changes and concerns with HB82 (ADU’s) and Kelly took those concerns in with his vote. Councilman Winsor also expressed his concerns and objections to HB98. Councilman Winsor asked Representative Miles why the state gets frustrated when the Federal Government imposes restrictions to the State because they want local control, but yet they turn and do the same thing to local cities and towns, specifically calling out affordability and the inability to legislate affordability. The council spoke briefly about SB81 and SB144 (outdoor advertising/billboard amendments) and SB221 (short-term rental amendments). We are grateful for his time speaking with us. (An update since this meeting happened is that HB98 did pass the House, but Representative Miles voted no).

Part 2 coming soon with lots of other good stuff. Let me know if you have any questions. :-)

Fighting H.B. 98

The last several days have been a nonstop labor of love for me. As many of you may know, our city council had an emergency meeting to pass a resolution stating our opposition to the committee members who will review HB98.

Myself and city council members Kim Dixon and Nina Morse from West Haven have been working tirelessly calling and emailing representatives in Weber and Davis County to get the word out about HB98. Within 24 hours, we had 17 cities join the press release and 46 signatures (and still counting) for neighboring cities who also oppose this bill. I want to thank my own city council members who signed the press release and for Wayne Winsor willing to give a statement.

I was interviewed by ABC4 and Channel 2 News last night. The Standard Examiner is also picking up the piece. Representative Ray, who says the bill will be substituted, still feels it is a good bill. I found with this press release and in talking with other leaders this bill is non-negotiable. It's a bad bill.

Representative Ray remains confident the bill will pass through the session with support of the legislative leaders - specifically Speaker Brad Wilson, Senate President Stuart Adams & Majority Whip Mike Shultz - all founding members of the Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association who contribute money to campaigns of numerous elected officials throughout Northern Utah.

Below is an excerpt from Representative Ray in the Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association newsletter regarding HB 98: "We will allow the builder to hire a third-party inspector to complete inspections instead of waiting for the city to schedule one. We are also restricting what type of building ordinances that can be implemented by a city or county.....Gone will be the days of requriing rock and brick, pitch of roof, what color the door is and other things....I am tired of government redlining neighborhoods to keep lower income families out."

I stand by my initial statement: "Once again, our state legislature is demanding requirements of municipalities under the guise of moderate-income housing, knowing full well it cannot and will not guarantee affordability. This bill will greatly diminish local control and lower the standards of structures built. As CEO of the Northern Wasatch Home Builders Association, it is clear who Rep. Ray is truly representing, and it is not his constituents.”

Other news stories regarding our work on HB98.

https://www.standard.net/news/government/northern-utah-leaders-still-have-concerns-after-lawmakers-ok-housing-measure/article_962620ca-3986-5502-9337-58e5b47859bf.html

https://ksltv.com/456293/bill-aims-to-combat-utah-housing-boom-affordability/

Legislative Action: SB0061

 LEGISLATIVE ACTION

We have another hot bill going to committee tomorrow! Once again, the best place to stop or change bills is in committee. Please take a moment to review this bill and get involved.

What it is: HB0061 Outdoor Advertising Amendments

What it does: Prohibits cities and counties from enacting or enforcing certain restrictions on electronic billboards and other advertising signs. Also implements restrictions on when cities or counties can impose curfews on said signs.

What happens next: This bill will go to the Senate Business and Labor Committee tomorrow (Feb. 2) at 3:40 pm.

Why it is being proposed: As electronic billboards and signs become more popular and used, many cities and counties are placing restrictions on when they can be lighted and where they can be placed. The sponsor of this bill feels these restrictions are too strict and seeks to amend a 

previous bill to allow more ability for sign owners and users.

How this bill will affect South Weber: As we are near two high traffic highways (89 and 84) we can expect to see more and more signs go up as growth continues.

Why I am worried about this bill: I have already heard from many residents who live near electronic billboard signs and commercial signs that impacts their home. The constant flashing or changing of screens can be a greater nuisance than just those that have lights on them (which were already problematic). This bill will remove the ability for cities like ours, to impose certain restrictions to help mitigate the effects these signs will have on those residents who live near areas where electronic signs or bill boards will be erected.  

What you can do: Email the committee members. If you live near these signs already - relate your experience and your concerns. Help them understand that as long as homes are near highways and commercial buildings, they will be impacted by them and that is why these restrictions need to be based not at a state level, but a local level. 

How to watch: Click this link roughly 10 minutes before the committee meeting starts. You will see another link that says watch this meeting. https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?com=SSTBUS...

How to offer public comment: Click this link and fill out the form. Scroll down and select the correct bill.  
https://le.utah.gov/interim/publicComment.jsp?mtgid=17388

Additionally, you may email committee members before this meeting starts and give them your concerns. They have been great at addressing concerns from constituents in every committee meeting I have joined. Include in your email your name and address. Below are their emails: 

curt@cbramble.com
kcullimore@le.utah.gov
gdavis@le.utah.gov
dipson@le.utah.gov
kmayne@le.utah.gov
dmccay@le.utah.gov
ssandall@le.utah.gov
jwstevenson@le.utah.gov
tweiler@le.utah.gov

Link to bill: https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0061.html

Legislative Action: HB0082

 

• LEGISLATIVE ACTION
  Hello friends!  
  I know there is a lot going on in the city with the recent meetings and I plan to do a recap soon. But as promised, I wanted to alert you to some legislative action taking place tomorrow - January 29th at 2:00 pm. 
   
  What it is:  HB0082 Single-Family Home Modifications
  
  What it does: Requires cities and counties to allow accessory dwelling units (ADU's) in all residential zones. 
  What happens next:  Tomorrow at 2pm, this bill will be presented to the House and Business Labor Committee. 
  
  Why it is being proposed: Affordable housing and land use is one of the top topics this legislative session as the supply for housing, particularly affordable housing, continues to fall well below the demand. Accessory dwelling units (like mother in law apartments or basement rentals) is just one aspect that is being pursued to help bridge the gap between supply and demand.
  
  How it will affect South Weber: This bill will impact cities that have ordinances that set a limit on the number of non-related persons living residing in a residential unit. This bill has been substituted - meaning it has already been changed due to feedback. The new substituted bill would mandate all cities to allow internal ADU's in any single family residential zone. The ADU's will be required to stay within the footprint of the home and require them to be owner occupied.  
  
  Why I am worried about this bill: While this bill is meant to offer more housing abilities and options, the state is taking the ability for the cities to decide for themselves how they want to implement ADU's. While the substitution addressed and fixed some things, there are still plenty of concerns left. It is removing the ability that cities have to impose their own ordinances and requirements, like parking, number of people in a household, and the types of neighborhoods/homes ADU's would be permitted just to name a few. While I can understand the value of offering ADU's in many respects, I believe that every city is unique and one size certainly does not fit all. This is why it is important these decision happen at a LOCAL level, not a state level. What works well in SLC may not work well in South Weber, and vice versa. The substitution is not clear if it will exclude short term rentals. We already have some of these problems in SW now - this has the potential to definitely enhance them and leaves us with no ability to control or mitigate!
  
  What can you do? The Utah League of Cities and Towns is working on this bill, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't too! You may join the call tomorrow - register to sign up for public comment and give your reasons to the committee why they should not recommend this bill to the floor. Furthermore, you may also email the reps of this committee. There information is below. **The best place to stop a bill is in committee. If it doesn't get through committees, it will not get to the floor for a vote.*** 
  
  How to watch: Click this link roughly 10 minutes before the committee meeting to join in. You will see a link to watch meeting. This link will not show up until about 1:50pm. HB0082 is the first item on the agenda. https://le.utah.gov/committee/committee.jsp?com=HSTBUS...
  
  
  Register for public comment:  Click this link and scroll down. Select HB0082 and input name and email address. The speaker will allow public commment to take place after the committee has a chance to deliberate. Camera is not required - the will unmute your mic when it is your turn. https://le.utah.gov/interim/publicComment.jsp?mtgid=17372
  
  
  Email the committee:  Below are the committee members emails. Email them ASAP, and definitely before the meeting starts so they can address your concerns in the meeting (and they will!). Keep your email short and to the point - they have a lot of stuff on their plate at this time. Encourage them to vote NO to this bill and allow these allowances, along with their restrictions and ordinances, to happen at the local level, not the state.  
  Use HB0082 committee meeting as your subject line. Include your name and address.  
  
  
  jferry@le.utah.gov
  wbrooks@le.utah.gov
  bbrammer@le.utah.gov
  jdunnigan@le.utah.gov
  thawkes@le.utah.gov
  briansking@le.utah.gov
  corymaloy@le.utah.gov
  amatthews@le.utah.gov
  cmusselman@le.utah.gov
  csnider@le.utah.gov
  mstrong@le.utah.gov
  jteuscher@le.utah.gov
  normthurston64@gmail.com
  markwheatley@le.utah.gov
  
  
  Thank you to 

  Jo Sjoblom

   for reporting on this at Tuesday's meeting and relating the substitution changes. You can see her remarks during the legislative review.