LaVerkin City Council Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 6:00 p.m.

Council Chambers, 111 S. Main, LaVerkin, Utah

Present: Mayor Karl Wilson; Council-members:  Scott Stratton, Doug Beecher, Phil Jensen, Ray Justice, Hugh Howard; Staff:  Kyle Gubler, Derek Imlay, Troylinn Benson, Kevin Bennett, Lloyd Watkins, Katie Wilson;

Public:  Mark Cram (Siemens Industry Inc), Richard Hirschi, Jake Bulkley, Kristy & Josh Jackman and family, Randy Reeve, Brandon Stephenson, Robert Tibbitts

A. Meeting Called to Order - Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance by Kyle Gubler at 6 pm.

B. Recognitions:

1.       4^th of July - Kristy Jackman

Mayor Wilson thanked Kristy Jackman for her work chairing the 4^th of July Committee and she committed to chairing the committee again next year. He presented her with a certificate and gift card in his appreciation.  Mayor commented that he had three complaints from Hurricane; a) our parade was better than theirs, b) our softball team beat theirs, and c) our parks looked better.

C. Presentations:

1.       Siemen's Presentation - Mark Cram

Mayor Wilson explained that changing out water meters is on the City's priority list.  He gave Mark Cram the time for his presentation.

Mark Cram stated that he had met with the Directors and given them this same presentation.  He explained the price differences in certain scenarios, with and without backflows.  He explained how the city can fund the project and how long the project would take to do.

D. Consent Agenda: (Items on the consent agenda may not require discussion.  These items will be a single motion unless removed at the request of the Mayor or City Council.)

1.       Declarations of conflict of interest

2.       Agenda

3.       Minutes:  July 6, 2011 regular meeting minutes

4.       Review Invoices and Checks:  $ 129,009.88

Motion was made by Council-member Doug Beecher to approve all the items on the consent agenda for July 6, 2011 regular meeting minutes, and invoices and checks in the amount of $129,009.88, second by Council-member Scott Stratton.  Roll Call Vote:  Howard-yes, Justice-yes, Jensen-yes, Beecher-yes, Stratton-yes.  Motion carried unanimously.

E. Committee Reports:

1.       Planning Commission - Council-member Ray Justice reported.  The Planning Commission set a public hearing for rezoning property to include kennels as a use in PFZ zone.  The public hearing was set for July 27, 2011.

Kevin Bennett reported that the bonds and easements for the proposed Hillside Ordinance went to the Planning Commission for approval.  Council-member Stratton asked for clarification for the bond proposal.

2.       Water Board - They have not met since the last meeting.  Mayor Wilson reported that the La Verkin-Toquerville line going through Toquerville, the lines are in the ground but may hurt Hurricane because the demand is high this time of year. They will put a T in the line in Toquerville to finish the project when the demand won't be as high.  La Verkin has reserves in Cottam Well to cover our needs during the transition.  Mayor Wilson explained more in detail.  La Verkin and Hurricane will be rewriting the old agreement.

3.       Sewer Board - Blair Gubler not in attendance

4.       Fire District - Chief Kuhlmann not in attendance

F. Citizen Comment & Request for Future Agenda Items: none

G. Business:

1. Discussion and possible action on paying Washington County School District to bus ineligible students to Hurricane Middle School.

There was a public hearing held on this subject on June 15, 2011 and questions were answered by the School District representative.  Time has been given to the Council-members to research and talk to constituents.

Council-member Howard commented that he didn't feel like the District addressed anything and they made the City look like the "bad guy".  But the City will have to be in order to force the District's hand.

Mayor Wilson stated that the City has asked for the contract and still does not have a copy of the contract in hand.  If we're to pay for the busing then we need a copy.

Council-member Beecher remembered this busing agreement was presented as a six-month temporary solution to a temporary problem.  That is what he remembered approving.  It has now been 6 years.  He agrees with Council-member Howard and shares his reluctance.  The mileage should be measured by the safe route to get to school.  He believes the District will not do anything without being forced.

Kyle Gubler reminded the Council that if the City does not pay then the District has said they will not bus these students.

It was clarified that the District "may" bus in dangerous zones.  That does not mean they have to bus.  This is an issue between the School District and the parents of these students.

There was a minor discussion over who has the authority to bus the ineligible students and it was clarified that the District is responsible not the City.

Council-member Justice commented that this is a form of extortion.  They don't want to budget the money to bus our students in our city so they want to put it on our shoulders even though it is not our responsibility.  He feels that the District is turning its back on our citizens.  He wanted to remind everyone that the Board members are elected officials and there should be more competition when it comes to election time.  He referenced what was said during the public hearing that the District does not have the money to even bus the eligible students.

It was restated where the ineligibles live: those who live north to Kristy Jackman and all of Pheasant Glen.

Council-member Jensen stated that it is the student's parent's responsibility to get their children to school if they are not eligible for busing; not the City's.

Kyle Gubler stated that ineligible students will need to fill out a form when they register and after the first month of school is over they can go to the bus stop and if there is room, they will be allowed on.  Hurricane is willing to pay just to save from paying a crossing guard.

Council-member Stratton stated that it is not the City's responsibility even though he has two children that may be ineligible.  The parents will have to arrange for transportation

Council-member Beecher encourages the citizens to contact the School Board because they are the ones responsible.

Council-member Howard commented that La Verkin is stuck and agreed that it is extortion.  The District will put it in the paper to make the City the bad guy.

There was a discussion over the tax rate the District can raise the taxes for the county to cover the expense and how to fund the ineligible students.  The county can raise the taxes as much as .0003 which will be about $20 per year per property owner, county wide.

Council-member Justice restated that it is the responsibility of the School District.  As a crossing guard, he knows that it is not a safe route for 10-13 year olds especially when much of the school year is in the dark with 4 lanes of traffic including semis. This cannot be deemed a safe route.  He believes there are enough in the city to call their bluff.

Motion made by Council-member Ray Justice to discontinue the contract with WCSD, second by Council-member Doug Beecher.

Mayor Wilson read a few pieces from the Washington City agreement.  There was a discussion concerning how long the contract would last and the wording.

Roll Call Vote:  Stratton-yes, Beecher-yes, Justice-yes, Jensen-yes, Howard-abstain.  Vote passed 4-0 with 1 abstention.

2. Discussion and direction on water meter program.

This item of business is to get direction from the Council.  Kevin Bennett commented that this will be a large process and should be put out to bid to allow any competitors a chance.

There was a discussion of Siemen's state approval and La Verkin City ordinances.

Kevin explained the bidding process.

Council-member Beecher stated that there are two questions asked: a) Does the Council want to change the City Ordinance? and b) Does the Council want to do this project?.  He addressed the variation of cost to do this project and wonders about the accuracy of the meters.  He would like to see how accurate current meters are.  That is a lot of money for our town and where would this priority fit in the Capital Projects urgency list.

Council-member Stratton agreed with Beecher and would like to make a list of priorities for projects.

Mayor Wilson answered that if all of the meters were replaced now then the money could be recouped faster.  Mayor has authorized 60 meters to be replaced per year.  Approximately 1400 meters are needed.  Part of it could be paid for by charging administration for the sewer.  We are the bill collectors and are not charging Ash Creek enough.  While the cities struggle the districts are doing fine.

Mayor would like to finalize with Mark and have some questions answered and put a spreadsheet together for the Council.

Council-member Jensen is in line with Beecher and Stratton.  Water vs. Roads.  Is the investment worth what it will save?  Mayor explained that this will be a Capital Project and will not compete with Streets.

Council's direction is to do more research.

There was a small discussion of the bidding process since the Mayor doesn't want to change the city's ordinance.

H. Staff. Mayor & Council Reports:

City Administrator - Kyle Gubler

1.       He attended a ULGT training in Washington City this morning

2.       Tomorrow he and Derek will look at Washington City's animal control cages for our city vehicle.

3.       Elections - All 5 candidates are present tonight:  Brandon Stephenson, Randy Reeves, Richard Hirschi and 2 incumbents, Scott Stratton and Hugh Howard.

4.       Pioneer Day float - Stratton and Jensen will be there.

Public Safety - Chief Lloyd Watkins

1.       Finished the police audit by BCI, which is done every 3 years.  137 pages of documents.  It brought up policies that need to be revamped.

Director of Operations - Derek Imlay

1.       Had a meeting with Interstate Rock and Washington County School District for the new pad for the school near Zion View Estates.  The road will be put on the north side of the school property, Main Street will be extended north and a side from SR-17 will connect to Main Street.  The meeting gave a time frame to go forward and the proper process for a single lot subdivision with a road dedication.

2.       The new helicopter company (Sky Hawk Helicopter) has discussed options for a helicopter pad and landing in La Verkin.  Derek is looking at landing pad requirements and is it allowed in downtown area.

Treasurer - Troylinn Benson

1.       82 door hangers were sent out and 14 shut-offs were done.  Five of those are still off but staff knows of 3 that are vacant and one is living with her daughter.

2.       Handed out to the Council the Operational Budget for last fiscal year (July 2010-June 2011) and the Financial Report for June 2011. Mayor Wilson pointed out the highlights in the General Fund.

3.       The audit with Hinton-Burdick will start on the 27^th to do the pre-work and Aug 1^st to do the rest.

Mayor Wilson:

1.       The Confluence Park meeting was today.

Jensen:

1.       There was a Solid Waste meeting.  We received $1758 from Tree City last year and got more this year.

2.       Cedar City will be insuring the binnes

3.       Cardboard binnes cost too much so they will not continue doing them.

Justice:

1.       Attended Confluence Park but was unable to attend ZC3 for a conflict of time.

Beecher:

1.       Economic Development was all about communications.

Stratton:

1.       Shooting Sports Park is now a special service district.  It's picking up where they left off and turning into a fiasco.  They are working on getting a pistol range.

2.       Fire District - Hurricane wants to sign and Interlocal agreement with the District.  The District made some proposals and no response.  If nothing happens then the District will work on its own and get its own equipment.  They got some big grants that will help out.  Need to know Hurricane's plan by July 26^th.  The District bought a brush truck which will bring in revenue next year.

3.       Our roads are in poor shape and we will be in trouble with the newer roads starting to deteriorate.  Mayor stated that we may do the entire east side.  Stratton would like to schedule a work meeting (Kyle will schedule) to go over priorities.  There was a discussion of when to have this work meeting.

Mayor reported on the Animal Control Shelter and land to build it on.  It is set for public hearing for rezoning that property during Planning Commission next week.  The thought is to go smaller and under $20,000.  Mayor will bring the payment plan to the Council.  Officer Jake Bulkley is looking into the cost for the cage that will go in the truck.

Howard: nothing to report

I. Motion was made to adjourn by Council-member Justice, second by Council-member Beecher.  Motion carried unanimously at 7:56 pm.