The Riverton City Council is gearing up for weeks of budget discussion. Millions of dollars will be at stake in the following city council meetings starting May 10. Stewart, the elected Mayor Tempore, will be leading budget discussions. He laid down some rules and guidelines and encouraged council members to talk with the necessary people before the meeting to get questions and concerns answered. Council members were positive about the upcoming process. 

“I think last time it went very smoothly...If we come having already done our homework and talked with staff, then I think this will go fairly quickly and smoothly,” Councilmember Tricia Tingey said. Budget-focused council meetings will be held May 10, 12, 17 and 19.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Mayor Bill Applegarth welcomed the public and conducted a roll call. Councilmembers Sheldon Stewart, Trent Staggs, Brent Johnson, Paul Wayman and Tricia Tingey were all present. Keever from Troop 1110 led the public in the Pledge of Allegiance and the three scout troops in attendance introduced themselves.

Applegarth proclaimed May 1-7, 2016 as “Water Week,” recognizing the vital importance of the city’s water facilities. He called upon all citizens to better understand the workings of the city’s water systems and to thank those who work for the water system and keep citizens healthy and safe.

Stewart introduced Unified Fire Authority (UFA) officers and their “Push to Survive” program. “Push to Survive” is a program that teaches citizens to call 911 and begin compressions until help arrives.

Mike White, Riverton’s UFA Fire Chief, informed citizens that in the month of June the station has set aside ten days to host citizens and teach the “Push to Survive” program. Those dates are June 1, 7, 13, 20 and 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. Visit UFA’s website to learn more about the training.

“This is a fantastic program. We have seen great results in the past few years...It’s amazing statistics,” White said. The officers then trained the council members on the “Push to Survive” program.

Paul Wayman next presented Oquirrh Hills Middle School students and teacher with the Riverton Choice Awards. Recognized were students Brook Ballard and Michael Lesper and teacher Natalie Bartholomew.

No public comments were made this evening.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Ordinance No. 16-10 amending requirements for rezone application submittal, required public noticing was passed 4-1. Stewart voted no. The amendment made two basic changes on how applications are processed and handled. First, it stated that noticing distances for a rezone should remain at 1,000 feet. The amendment also stated that an identical rezone application cannot be submitted more than once per year. No public comments made.

Ordinance No. 16-11 was a Historic Preservation Ordinance. Mr. Roger Roper addressed the council on historic preservation and what it means to have a commission, grant opportunities and so forth. There was then a discussion on who should serve on the historic preservation commission that will be formed with this ordinance. This ordinance also creates a parallel system to work with the Historical National registry. No public comments made.

“It [This ordinance] does strike that balance between the rights of property owners and city financial liability,” Staggs said. Staggs has been a proponent for the creation of this ordinance and after two council meetings that discussed the ordinance’s creation and concerns, it passed unanimously tonight.

Ordinance 16-12 regarding the rezoning of property of two homes and properties from RR-22 (rural resdential ½ acre lots) to C-D was passed unanimously. The Broomheads are interested in expanding their business and parking lot for Broomhead Funeral Home. During the public comments, one citizen voiced that many were excited for the Broomhead expansion, despite others who have voiced opposition.

“I believe the Broomheads have the best interest of the community in mind,” Tingey said. Johnson and Staggs also expressed their faith in the Broomhead business and their gratitude and appreciation for the Broomheads and their service to the community.

Ordinance 16-13 rezoning 1.15 acres located at 2080 West 12600 South from RM-8-D residential multi-family to C-D or Commercial Downtown passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

Applegarth presented the council with his budget and the council voted unanimously to adopt the tentative budgets for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. This means that the council has formally accepted the mayor’s budget recommendations and will now begin discussion on the budget for the next two months during council meetings.

“This isn’t a vote of the acceptance of the figures,” Applegarth reminded the public. The city budget must be passed by June 24th and may be passed as early as the 14th of June.

CONSENT AGENDA

The consent agenda, encompassing six items, was passed unanimously.

STAFF REPORTS

UFA Chief Mike White commented on the recent statistical reports that had been presented to the city.

Lance Blackwood, City Manager, recognized Public Information Officer Angela Trammell for her work on the city’s new website. The website went live today and many people, council members included, have given valuable feedback. Trammell says that they will continue to update pages and make corrections. All parks are now available for facility rental.

Other city issues were discussed.

ELECTED OFFICIAL REPORTS

Applegarth talked about the South Valley Services upcoming Awareness Breakfast on May 10 from 8 to 9 a.m. He also thanked UFA and UPD for their services.

Johnson commented on Water Week and encouraged citizens to look into water-wise ways to conserve.

Staggs went through a list of items in his area and asked for an update on a bid to tear out tennis courts and put in a volleyball sand pit.

Stewart commented on UFA happenings and apologized to the city arborist about missing the tree planting. He also spoke on recent positive feedback from youth about the city park. Stewart ended his comments by expressing support for the Awareness Breakfast for South Valley Services.

“This is a culmination of years of work,” Stewart said. “The issues of domestic violence bleed over into all other aspects of life...It’s one of the plagues that I wish we could get away from in society but we can’t and so we need to do our best to mitigate this.”

Tingey had a question on trash pick-up complaints. Tingey also followed up on trail clean-up update. She will be attending fire school this week.

Wayman thanked staff and the mayor's efforts concerning the middle school walkway closure.

BUDGET DISCUSSION

There will be upcoming council meetings discussing the budget on May 10, May 12, May 17 and May 19 if needed. There will be a public hearing and budget discussion on June 7 and June 14. The final amended budget must be passed by June 21. All meetings will be streamed except for Thursday, May 12. Start at 6 p.m.

The council then moved into a closed door session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or sale of real property.