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South Valley Riverton Journal

Riverton City Council April 19, 2016

Apr 19, 2016 08:16AM ● By Briana Kelley

Many cities in the valley require a special event permit for private events in the city. Riverton may soon follow suite. Photo courtesy of Briana Kelley.

Sheril Garn, Parks and Public Services Director, believes that it is now time and in the city’s best interest to have a special event permit both for legal and safety issues. Garn listed a number of requests for different types of events in the city and believes having a permit will allow council members, UPD and other city departments know in advance what special events will occur. The application will also help others in the city know if it is a public or private event, the specific items needed, and so forth. It will be available online.

There was a lively discussion on what if any fee should be associated with the application and how necessary it is to the city. “We’re not looking to generate fees but to make sure that everyone is safe and everyone is on board with an event,” Jason Lethbridge, Planning Director, said. Approval for the permit passed 4-1.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Mayor Bill Applegarth called the meeting to order. Councilmembers Brent Johnson, Paul Wayman, Tricia Tingey and Trent Staggs were present. Councilmember Sheldon Stewart was absent.

Local Scout Wyatt Dealey from Troop 1963 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. The many scouting groups then introduced themselves and their leaders.

Applegarth read the Arbor Day 2016 Proclamation. He declared April 29, 2016 as Arbor Day and encouraged active participation in planting, promoting, and taking care of the trees in the city. Wednesday they will have tree planting on west side of city. Riverton City has 3700 trees last count. Riverton is recognized as a tree city, USA.

No public comments were made.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

The establishment of a special events application was approved 4-1 contingent on further fee discussion. Staggs voted no.

Applegarth then represented the State of Utah and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality to recognize Wayman on an “outstanding contribution to Radon Program, above and beyond what is expected.”

“We salute him and I am glad that he has been recognized by the state of Utah,” Applegarth said. Wayman spoke on radon dangers. He encouraged residents to buy a kit to test for radon. On average, every other house in Riverton currently has a radon problem, which could lead to adverse health effects including lung cancer.

“Be your own lifesaver and buy a kit,” Wayman said.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Wayman made the motion to remand the ordinance amendment for signs. It will go to the Planning Commission for changes. The motion passed unanimously.

Lethbridge presented on the Pedestrian Oriented Overlay Zone. This is a zone that doesn’t stand alone but sits on top of additional zoning. It’s purpose is to “encourage pedestrian character of commercial areas and to promote street life and activity by regulating building orientation.” The city hopes to make these areas more pedestrian-friendly and wants to avoid projects that would harm this ideal. The zone will thus prohibit commercial development such as gas stations, auto repair, large scale grocery, etc.

The council unanimously adopted the motion with added amendment to disallow auto, pawn and pipe shops from this zone.

The council also unanimously tabled a pending finalization of replacement storm water facility.

Lastly, the council discussed a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to have people who apply for a re-zone to wait one year. Notification areas also part of discussion. The city recommended that this amendment would be tabled to May 3 council meeting because Planning Commission meeting minutes were not ready in time. The item was tabled unanimously.

The Consent Agenda comprised of three items was passed unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

Lance Blackwood, City Manager had nothing new to report. 

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Applegarth announced that on May 10 from 8-9 a.m. South Valley Services would host a breakfast and information session. Secondly, he spoke on the Redwood Road project. UDOT is appraising the land now and starting to reach out to landowners. They are 60% finished with project plan designs. UDOT will continue land acquisition and preparing land for road until the end of the season. Public works also will begin work this year. The city may not have actual road construction until May 2017. Applegarth anticipates that the road will be finished in the fall of 2017 or early 2018.

Finally, Applegarth spoke on the Tree USA award with the city’s urban forester. “He is a highly respected professional and we are honored to have him,” Applegarth said.

Johnson is concerned about those who are smoking in the park and the fact that it is prohibited in public places. He also brought up the issue of e-cigarette smoke and determined that e-cigarettes are part of ‘No Smoking.’ Johnson ended by discussing water conservation. “There are some wonderful things out there and www.localscape.com can help residents and the city landscape in a water-wise way,” Johnson said.

Trent Staggs talked on either re-paving tennis courts or changing them to sand volleyball courts in a park in his area. He also requested traffic calming along 1900 West. Lastly, Staggs spoke about the Jordan River Commission and the project to spray phragmites along the Jordan River Trail. On May 12 the commission hosts the “Get into the River” event.

Tingey thanked Lethbridge on presenting to gradeschoolers at Blackwood Elementary. She also had the opportunity to travel with the choir and orchestra from Riverton High School to Chicago. She said they did a great job and represented the city well.

Wayman spoke on the Zika Virus and the mosquito that carries it; fortunately it should not reach this far north this summer. He also announced that a bid has gone out for Oquirrh Hills Park which will be a vast improvement and should be done before July.

The motion to move to a closed door session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or sale of real property passed unanimously.