City Council 1-17-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• This was a very short meeting, consisting of mostly the monthly department reports and approval of past meeting minutes.
• I did ask some questions related to some of the items in department reports, including:  Why our code enforcement needs access to the state Bureau of Criminal Investigations data system, Have we successfully passed on responsibility to the county for the 4400 S pedestrian bridge, When will we be upgrading/updating anything with our online presence, Can we make sure our Benchmark and Performance Measures are up to date online, and Why is our municipal Fire Dept. responding to multiple counties as a “regional resource”?
• Some answers were better than others, listen for yourself with the recording link above.

RDA Board 1-17-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• A very short meeting with a couple very brief updates on some RDA/CDA areas.
• Nothing of interest, and nothing generating optimism to report.

City Council 1-3-17

Notice of cancellation.

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 2-7-17 and 2-21-17.  The RDA Board will meet on 2-21-17.  There will be a Strategic Planning Meeting on 2-25-17 to begin the budget planning process for the next fiscal year.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.  REMINDER: These monthly reports are updated periodically as new information and links become available.

Now that my first year on the City Council is complete, I wanted to create a brief review of the notable items we encountered in 2016.  For more information and/or relevant links just click on the month.

January

• I was sworn in for a 4 year term on the council along with Braden Mitchell and Alan Arnold.
• We approved Planning Commission appointments of Commissioners Jones and Wingfield.
• We authorized bids for new 4400 S. pedestrian bridge.
• RDA Board approved funding for consultant to create 700 W. CDA

February

• We approved bid for 4400 S. pedestrian bridge.
• RDA Board approves proposed CDA area map
• The city holds an open house to present new park concepts and listen to community concerns and ideas.
• At the first Strategic Planning Meeting of the year we reviewed the current budget, began the process of the next budget formulation and talked about upcoming capital improvement projects and how to prioritize them.

April

• At the mid-year convention for the Utah League of Cities and Towns I listened to several speakers give reports and presentations on items such as:  current state legislative issues, property taxes, employee asset, disaster communication, social media issues, and live-streaming meetings.

May

• The city held it’s first ever badge ceremony and swearing in of Fire Fighters.
• We offered the Mayor consent to his selection of new Police Chief, Scott Brenkman.
• We approved a tentative budget for FY17.
• At the second Strategic Planning Meeting of the year we discussed budget specifics; including changes to the water rate/structure, extra funds to expedite water meter changes and a new fire truck, among other things.
• We established a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, to be chaired by former Councilor, Mike Staten.

June

• The city honored the retiring Police Chief Hansen.
• We approved amendments to the Consolidated Fee Schedule, adjusting the water rate and structure of the rate.
• We approved the final budget for fiscal year 2017.
• At a special City Council Meeting, we approved a change to award the bid to the 4400 S. pedestrian project to a new contractor.

July

• We approved the site plan for the new Maverik.
• The City held the annual Old Glory Days Celebration.  I enjoyed meeting people at the Movie in the Park, Sunrise Ceremony, Parade and the park festivities and fireworks.

August

• We awarded a bid to build the new firetruck.
• We made an inter-local agreement with area fire departments regarding “on-board paramedic fees”.  This is one of the 2 times this year that I voted in opposition to the rest of the council.  See August blog post for details on why.
• The RDA Board (and City Council) approved the creation of a new Community Development Area (700 W. CDA).  This is the other time I voted in opposition to the rest of the council (and board).  See August blog post for the reasons why I did.

September

• At the third Strategic Planning Meeting of the year, we met with the Planning Commission and staff to discuss the city’s General Plan and Title 10.  We also had brief status reports from each department and had a short discussion about the future possibilities with Ritter Drive.
• We approved the site plan for the Riverdale Town Square development that will include all of the land between the new Maverik and Tony Divino Toyota.
• The city was victim to a very rare weather event on 9-22-16.  A tornado impacted a number of our residents, some very severely.  I feel like we had a great community response from our residents and staff over the following several days.

November

• The city put on a very nice Veterans Day event, with a flag raising ceremony.
• By way of citizen involvement, we heard our biggest item of the year; a rezone request of the Coleman property on Ritter Drive.  I was happy to see people come and make their thoughts and concerns known to us, no matter which way they felt about this subject.  The request has been tabled for further consideration and it is unclear if or when it will return to our agenda.

December

• The city held a ribbon cutting for the (mostly completed) new 4400 South pedestrian bridge and sidewalk underpass.  This is a major improvement for the walk-ability and ride-ability of this area of the city!

Some of the ideas, concerns and interests that I brought to the administration and staff this year included:

• Our use of technology as it relates to public access and transparency
• Consistent access to department reports
• The creation and inclusion of a Utility Report in council packets
• The proper setting and noticing of public hearings
• Complete information in the packet for action items on the agenda
• Accurate reporting to the council of Senior Center financial viability
• Consistent updates on city (RDA) owned or affecting real estate areas
• A host of other less significant random items.

I have been honored to participate with the direction of our community in 2016.  I really enjoy working with the administration, council and staff; but my favorite part is when I get to interact with residents and hear their concerns or ideas about Riverdale.  I love getting more input that can help me shape my positions on the issues and make decisions.

Thanks for your support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out!  Happy New Year!

City Council 12-20-2016

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard a report from a community planner representing HAFB regarding noise studies for jets mostly, and how the base interacts with the public regarding noise.
• The council heard a follow up report about Riverdale Mobile Home Estates and some safety/building concerns there.
• The city engineering firm presented a short report on the completed 4400 South bridge and sidewalk.  They also presented the city with a large framed photo of the bridge.
• A representative of the YCC (Your Community Connection) made a presentation to the council in conjunction with a request for funding (a donation).
• I asked the Administrator/Dept. Heads for updates on a handful of random subjects, mostly related to information from department reports found in meeting packets.

RDA Board 12-20-2016

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The board approved the 2017 RDA Meeting Schedule
• The board heard a report from the RDA Executive Director regarding the status of negotiations with the 700 West CDA taxing entities (specifically the county and school district).  Meetings are ongoing, in the early stages and without any official agreements to report.

City Council 12-6-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During open communications resident Lloyd High expressed his concern regarding safety issues in his neighborhood related to tornado recovery efforts.  He wanted to know about building permits in the mobile home park specifically.
• Fire Chief Sholly recognized 4 firefighters for their life saving efforts during a medical call.
• All firefighters who had not previously been sworn in did so.
• 3 new police officers were sworn in.
• The Bonneville Communities that Care presented Riverdale with the award that the CTC had won at a state level event earlier in the year.
• The council approved the schedule for all meetings in 2017.
• The council approved a Fee Schedule Amendment related to the times of reservations for park pavillions.
• The council officially dissolved the old Weber River RDA area.

During December I was pleased to attend the ribbon cutting for the new 4400 South sidewalk and bridge, a larger than usual RSAC (drug court) graduation, an employee holiday lunch, and the ribbon cutting for the new Maverik store.

New 4400 South Pathway

New 4400 South Bridge

Drug Court Graduation

Employee Holiday Luncheon

Maverik ribbon cutting

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 1-3-17 and 1-17-17.  The RDA Board will meet on 1-17-17.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

City Council 11-15-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• We had 13 people stand up to speak during open communications; all concerning the Coleman property rezone request.  11 spoke against the proposal as it is, 2 spoke in favor of it.
• The annual fiscal year audit was presented by a third party auditor.  The audit went well and the city appears to be in fair shape financially and in line with state laws.
• The council approved an agreement with the K-9 handling police officer concerning his duties and compensation for working with and caring for our police K-9 officer.
• The council tabled an amendment to park pavillion rentals to give staff a chance to present more options.
• The council tabled a rezone request of the Coleman Property while the owner/developers consider a slightly different zone (I made a motion for a larger zone which was initially agreed to, but ultimately they decided to think about it before moving forward).

RDA Board 11-15-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A–Part B

• Lewis Young Robertson & Burningham Inc. presented the annual RDA financial report, which seemed in order.
• Mr. Worthen presented a report on the Senior Center (at my request) regarding finances mostly, with some long term strategy.  The center is doing well and seems to be self sustainable in the long term.
• The Board approved dissolving the old Weber River RDA area.
• Dee Hansen spoke about the 550 West RDA area concerning the most current issues and possible strategies for our real estate interests there.

City Council 11-1-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Resident Jimmy Moss spoke in open communications about the speed limit on River Valley Drive.  He would like it to return to 25 mph.
• The council approved minutes from a couple past meetings.
• The council approved a “Class A” beer license for the new Maverik.
• In discretionary there were a few items briefly discussed.  I asked for dept. reports to be emailed to us if we cancel a meeting.  I asked for PC minutes to be included in our packets when relevant.  I asked for clarification on the Senior Center finances to be presented to us asap.

Veterans Day Event

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 12-6-16 and 12-20-16.  The RDA Board will meet on 12-20-16.  There will be a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new pedestrian/bicycle trail and bridge on 4400 s. on 12-10-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

City Council 10-18-16

Notice of Cancellation

RDA Board 10-18-16

Notice of Cancellation

City Council 10-4-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council approved a resolution declaring some city property as surplus and authorizing the sale thereof.
• The council approved the amendment of the culinary water budget to allow for the unexpected repair of the well.
• The council approved the bid awarding the next Old Glory Days fireworks show to Lantis for $17,000.00.
• The council approved an inter-local agreement that continues the graffiti removal program with the Utah State Second District Juvenile Court.

Fire Dept. Open House 10-3-16

Fire Dept. Open House

Fire Dept. Open House

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 11-1-16 and 11-15-16.  The RDA Board will meet on 11-15-16.   Election Day is 11-8-16.  There will be a Veteran’s Day event at the Civic Center on 11-11-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

Strategic Planning 9-27-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council, commission and staff discussed planning commission business related to possibly altering verbage in the general plan regarding the focus areas and transportation.  Also discussed were ideas concerning Title 10 issues like landscape requirements.
• The group then discussed the recent efforts, status and outlook for each department.
•  The group then discussed ongoing challenges with Weber County concerning trash collection and policing.
• The group then discussed Ritter Drive and possibilities concerning it’s future.
• Also discussed was the emergency/recovery efforts following the recent tornado.

RDA Board 9-20-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, Part B

• The Board discussed rental rates at the Senior Center.  It is the administrations intention to raise the rates 3.5% starting in January 2017.
• The Board discussed the status of the 550 W RDA area.  Nothing of note to report.

City Council 9-20-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• There were 2 citizens who addressed the council during open communications concerning the Senior Center.  John Overdiek asked about renaming the center and Lois Davis asked about some lighting concerns.
• The council set 2 public hearings for October 4th.  One for a surplus sale and one for a culinary water fund budget amendment.
• The council approved the final site plan for the new “Riverdale Town Square” development that will be the entire area between Tony Divino Toyota and McDonalds.  Some of the new businesses that have been mentioned are:  Custom Cellular AT&T, Chipotle, Mod Pizza, Habit Burger, Zao, Hobby Lobby and El Pollo Loco.

City Council 9-6-16

Notice of cancellation.

TORNADO 9-22-16

On September 22 Riverdale and Washington Terrace experienced a very rare weather event for our area.

This EF-1 Tornado caused minor to extremely severe damage from Ritter Dr in Riverdale heading in a path to the north east through Washington Terrace.  It has left possibly a dozen homes uninhabitable.

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be a Fire Dept. Open House on October 3rd from 6-9.  There will be a Fall Cleanup opportunity on October 10th; if you want to get rid of junk the easy way this is your chance!  There will be City Council meetings on 10-4-16 and 10-18-16.  The RDA Board will meet on 10-18-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

RDA Board 8-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board held a public hearing to receive comment regarding the proposed 700 West Community Development Area.  Several residents, land owners and business representatives were present, and a handful offered mixed opinions.
• The Board approved a resolution (3-1) that creates the official plan for the new 700 West CDA.
• The Board approved a resolution (3-1) that creates a budget for the 700 West CDA.
• * I will note here that I opted to vote against approval of the new Community Development Area and budget for many reasons; including, but not limited to:  
• It is clear that the CDA has been planned and created specifically for just 2 land owners in the very large area, whose planning and efforts towards new developments preceded the approval to create the draft plan for the CDA.  Other land owners throughout the CDA were not consulted, and had no idea what was going on until the public hearing about approving the plan.  Along with staff, only two developers know what has been going on through this planning phase; certainly not the other land owners and not this Board.  These 2 land owners are certainly capable of making these develpments happen in this current market climate without government handouts.
• It is clear that the current market climate is driving development in the area without the assistance of government subsidies.  The “planned imminent developments” in the CDA plan are notable, along with recent preliminary and final site plan approvals that have been approved by the Planning Commission and City Council.  Our city’s current General Plan and Title 10 ordinances can properly guide these developments through the free market, and in the best interests of our city without the oversight of a CDA.
• There was some concern expressed by the Board and staff that without this “tool” retention and recruitment of businesses could prove difficult.  To that I would say that we already have two similar “tools”.  One that already has a better and guaranteed (pre-approved by the taxing entities) budget.  But it sits with no action while willing and able possible developers have not been approached properly with enough relevant information for them to make informed decisions.  The other one (of which the city is heavily invested) has been half done for a long time but mostly stagnant in my 8 months on the Board.  Both of these areas include very prime parcels that are equal to or greater than those of concern in the new CDA and should be more than sufficient to entice or retain desirable businesses.
• With the participation of the taxing entities being optional, and the terms negotiable, there stands a fair chance that the city may be the only entity of note participating at a meaningful level due to many reasons; not the least of which would be that it will be clear to any entity that looks into the matter that the free market is already driving re-development in the area, the current local climate on property taxes (multiple entities raising and attempting to raise taxes) and the fact that the Riverdale RDA currently has an approved budget agreement with these entities for another project area that has seen no action half way through its time frame.  It wouldn’t be a good bet financially for them to concede tax gains on these properties for 20 years.
• The past precedent of the city has clearly shown that we have not offered assistance to auto dealers who were re-developing or who were looking to move into the city.  Two auto dealers opted to make very large investments in Riverdale on their own; paying a premium for land and demolitions that vastly improved the aesthetics at two major intersections on Riverdale Road, one even donating a parking lot for a community church.  These investments, both made during a less advantageous economic climate, have done very well for both the business owners and our city.  
• Although I am disappointed in the result of this resolution, opposing it does not mean I do not support smart re-development in the area.  As it is, going forward I will push for that, while continuing to push for conservative financial agreements that are in the best interests of our city’s tax payers. 

City Council 8-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Lynette Limburg was honored for 30 years of service at the City.  She is great!
• The Council approved an ordinance (3-1) adopting the 700 W CDA Plan.
• The Council approved a resolution adopting a SECAP (system evaluation and capacity assurance plan) for sanitary sewers.
• The council approved the purchase of a new work truck for the Public Works Dept.
• The council awarded a bid to Rosenbauer to build the previously approved new fire truck. $628,002.

City Council 8-2-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During Open Communications Lori Fleming gave a brief summary on the status of real estate in the city.
• The council approved a resolution (4-1) to enter/remain in an Inter-local Agreement with area Fire Departments regarding “Paramedic on board” fees.   * I will note here that I opted to vote against this resolution for a number of reasons.  The main reason being that this inter-local agreement is presented to the participating cities as a cooperative effort of working together; when in fact it is very much the opposite.  The situation is more of a county organized and controlled monopoly on paramedic service, in addition to some other obvious flaws in the program.  Our city approving or not approving this agreement has no affect on medical service to citizens, and no affect on our revenue.  The same people will be helped (and invoiced) no matter what.  The agreement just mandates the city paying up, protecting only the paramedic providers revenue.

RDA Board 8-2-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board had a brief discussion and set a public hearing for 8-16-16 regarding the proposed new 700 W Community Development Area.
• The Board approved the listing of a home it owns at 4425 S 900 W (next door to the senior center).

LOOKING AHEAD:

City Council meetings for September will be held on the 6th and 20th.  The RDA Board will meet on the 20th.  Some city officials will attend the 2016 annual ULCT conference in Salt Lake City September 14-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

My family and I had a wonderful time again this year.  We enjoy celebrating Independence Day and spending the day with our community and family.  Thank you so much to the city staff and especially the volunteers for all of your efforts, they are much appreciated!  I gathered some photos throughout the weekend to record some of the fun.

Movie in the park with ice cream

Sunrise Flag Ceremony

Pedals and Paws Parade

Parade, Former Police Chief Hansen served as Grand Marshal

Fun in the park

Filling up Uncles new pool

Tasty food with friends and family

Live music was a new addition to our fun!

Firework finish

City Council 7-5-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council approved an amended site plan and a development agreement for Riverdale Assisted Living.  This is an assisted living facility that is to be built on the west end of Ritter Drive in the near future.
• The council tabled a final site plan for the Maverik gas station due to an issue with the plan not conforming to a specific city ordinance.  We will revisit the item as soon as a resolution is identified.
• The council tabled a development agreement with Maverik, Inc. due to its relationship with the previously tabled agenda item.
• There was a brief discussion during discretionary items about the possibility of a “safe exchange place” for residents. Some pros and cons of creating one were explained by the police chief and city attorney, along with current alternatives.

City Council 7-19-16

Agenda, Minutes: Not yet available, Recording: Part A, Part B

• The city recognized the retirement of Officer Fuller, and also 4 new Police Officers were sworn in.
• The council approved a final site plan for; and a development agreement with Maverik, Inc. regarding their planned new location at 900 W Riverdale Road.
• The council approved updates/amendments to some building and subdivsion regulations to properly align with current state building codes.

RDA Board 7-19-16

RDA Board meeting for July has been cancelled.

LOOKING AHEAD

In August there will be council meetings on 8-2-16 and 8-16-16.  The RDA Board will also meet on 8-2-16 and 8-16-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

A few images honoring law enforcement 

Swim parties at the Roy aquatic center

City Council 6-7-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During open communications resident Charles Kerkvliet expressed his appreciation for the action taken to remedy his ADA ramp access concerns at Golden Spike Park.  He also offered a list of pedestrian sidewalk concerns in his area that are not ADA compliant.
• Also during open communications resident and Planning Commission member Lori Fleming offered a brief report on the status of the local real estate market.
• During the presentations and reports section of the agenda some representatives from the HAFB Civil Engineer Center gave a status update on continued efforts to mitigate the ground contamination plumes that extend into our city boundaries.  They are currently taking public comment on the situation in preparation for a public meeting that they will hold at the Riverdale Community Center on June 22nd.  *This may be of special interest to the residents on the south end of the city!
• The council set public hearings to be held during the next meeting regarding amendments to the upcoming budget and HR manual.
• A public hearing was held regarding the proposed final budget for FY2017.  There was no comment.
• The council approved the contract for construction of the new pedestrian project going under and over the freeways to Roy on 4400 South (contingent on additional funding from WACOG).

RDA Board 6-7-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The board set a public hearing for the next meeting concerning amendments to the FY2017 budget.
• The Executive Director gave an annual report on the tax increment payments to developers.
• A public hearing was held for comment regarding the FY2017 final budget.  There was no comment.

City Council 6-21-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During Open Communications resident Steve Hampton of the River Glen neighborhood expressed his concerns for fire safety and prevention throughout the river trail area, and whether or not the city has a specific plan for that.
• During presentations and reports 4 teenagers from Roy were recognized by Mayor Searle for their efforts after a vehicle accident on Riverdale Road.
• Outgoing Police Chief Hansen was recognized for his upcoming retirement.
• The council approved a resolution that modifies some personell policy concerning social media use and annual leave.
• The council approved the creation of an infill lot subdivision on 4375 South.
• The council approved an ordinance that amends the salary of the Mayor and Justice Court Judge, along with the payscale steps of the staff.  The council excluded itself from this ordinance.
• The council approved a resolution that adopts the certified tax rate for the fiscl year.
• The council approved a resolution of proposed amendments to the fiscal year 2015-16 budget.
• The coucil approved a resolution of a proposed amendment to the consolidated fee schedule that modifies the billing structure and rate for culinary water. The change is shown in the following table:

• The council approved the resolution adopting the final budget for fiscal year 2016-17, with one amendment, adding the Planning Commission to the employee wage table with an equivalent adjustment for the new year.
• The council gave authorization to city staff to switch insurance providers from URMMA to ULGT if the staff finds that it is in the best interest of the city.

RDA Board 6-21-16

Agenda, Minutes: Not yet available, Recording: Part A, Part B

• The board approved a resolution of amendments to the fiscal year 2015-16 budget.
• The board approved the final budget for fiscal year 2016-17.
• The board held a closed session to discuss real estate matters.

Special City Council 6-23-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council awarded a bid to Wadsworth Brothers Construction for the 4400 south pedestrian walk and bridge project.  This bid had previously been awarded to another contractor, but due to some concerns a last minute change was necessary.

LOOKING AHEAD

Old Glory Days celebration on 7-4-16.  City Council meetings will be held on 7-5-16 and 7-19-16.  RDA Board meeting will be held on 7-19-16.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.