City Council 5-3-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During open communications a visitor named D. Yates, who was representing a possible development on Ritter Dr, spoke about their concern for the one way road situation on Ritter.  After some discussion it was decided to put the issue on an upcoming agenda of whether or not Ritter Dr should be reopened and under what conditions.
• For the first time in the city’s history, a Badge Ceremony was held by the Fire Dept.  A new firefighter, and a new fire captain were sworn in and received new badges.
• Continuing a big night for our public safety, the council offered consent to the Mayor in the hiring of our next police chief, Scott Brenkman.
• The council approved the adoption of the Weber County Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan, which helps qualify the county and the city to apply for future FEMA grants.
• The council approved the declaration of some unclaimed property for public interest use, allowing it to be auctioned off in the near future.  It appears to be mostly bicycles from police evidence.
• The council adopted the tentative budget for fiscal year 2017.  A more detailed meeting will be held on the 14th of this month to discuss possible amendments.
• The council approved a final site plan for a new parking lot at the ARS building on the west bench.  This allows them to lease part of their building to another business.
• The council approved the final site plan for H&P Investments new “flex buildings” on the empty lot directly behind Tony Divino’s and WAL-MART.

RDA Board 5-3-16

Notice of cancellation

Strategic Planning Meeting 5-14-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, Part B, Part C

• The city staff and council discussed the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017.
• There were no significant changes to the FY2017 tentative budget; which was proposed and approved in the previous city council meeting.
• The council gave unanimous consent to include a proposed change to the culinary water rate, and rate formula.  The council agreed that the city staff made an adequate case for the modest increase; based on the history of the rate and the prospects of how sustainable the current rate formula would be in providing for the future needs of the water delivery infrastructure.

• The council also offered consent to allow more money to be spent on finishing the remote read water meter installation project as soon as possible.
• The budget includes a new fire truck (called a quint) that should take about 10 months to build from the time it is ordered.

City Council 5-17-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During Open Communications resident Chuck Kerkvliet spoke about his concerns regarding ADA ramp access in and around Golden Spike Park due to the current parking lot striping condition.
• The council held a discussion about the possibility of putting the Ritter Drive closure back on an agenda to reconsider the situation.  It was decided that staff will create a plan and timeline of possible solutions and it will appear on an upcoming agenda, but not before 6-21-16.
• The council declared some unclaimed property for public use, to be auctioned off.
• The council awarded a street paving bid to Advanced Paving for about $257,000.
• The council approved a resolution establishing a new Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC).  It will be chaired by former city councilor Mike Staten.  The Mayor will appoint the members, including some staff, residents and maybe an appointed or elected official.  This committee will act in an advisory capacity for the city regarding related opportunities and concerns.

RDA Board 5-17-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board had a small agenda; after approving previous meeting minutes we adjourned into an executive session to discuss real estate strategies in the 550 West RDA area with Dee Hansen.

LOOKING AHEAD

City Council meetings will be held on 6-7-16 (will incude public meeting for final city budget) and 6-21-16.  The RDA Board will meet on 6-21-16. Representatives from Hill Air Force Base Civil Engineer Center will hold a public meeting at the community center on 6-22-16 regarding ground pollution mitigation efforts for past, present and future.  The final budget for fiscal year 2017 is adopted in June, so if you are interested or concerned please pay attention to what is happening in meetings now, and communicate any concerns to your city representatives asap.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

City Council 4-5-16

Notice of cancellation.

Utah League of Cities and Towns Midyear Convention 4/6-8/16

Agenda

This was my first time attending a gathering of the Utah League of Cities and towns.  It was held in St. George at the convention center.

• Wednesday evening I joined the city administrator in a session on powers and duties presented by ULCT General Counsel, Dave Church.
• Thursday was the big day of the convention.  There were many booths with vendors of companies that do business with cities and towns.
• During the first half of the day in the “business session” the entire group listened to ULCT staff give reports on the recent legislative session and how it affected ULCT member entities.  During this session we also heard from the Deputy Director of the Governer’s office of Economic Development, the State Auditor, House Speaker, Lt. Governer, and Gail Miller.  The session concluded with a keynote speach by author Peter Leyden, who spoke about technology paradigm shifts.
• During the second half of the day the group broke up into several concurrent sessions on a variety of topics.  I attended presentations called:  “Property tax; the good, the bad, and the necessary”, “Investing in your largest asset – your employees” and “Communicating with the public during a disaster”.
• Friday began with another full group presentation by Dave Church about getting things done when you don’t see eye to eye.
• After that the group again broke into a variety of concurrent sessions.  I attended presentations called “Legal issues associated with government use of social media” and “Live stream your public meetings”.  (The latter is something I’ve been very interested in for Riverdale, as I believe it can be done affordably and it benefits real time accessibility and transparency for our citizens; I’ll be pushing for this.)
• The convention concluded with a full group session and a keynote speach by the Director of the Governer’s Office of Economic Development about a book he wrote.

City Council 4-19-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Three citizens spoke during open communications.  The first citizen was concerned about the results of a court case.  The second was there representing the Communities that Care with an invitation to an elementary school musical production and a reminder of the unused prescription drug drop off program.  The third was a representative of a railroad union and said they are looking for the city’s support on a railroad related public safety issue.
• The council set 3 public hearings to be held in May and June.  Two concerning the upcoming budget and one concerning surplus property.
• The only action item of the night (a resolution adopting the county pre-disaster mitigation plan) was tabled for the next meeting due to insufficient information.

RDA Board 4-19-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board set two public hearings to be held in May and June.  Both are concerning the upcoming budget.

LOOKING AHEAD

City Council meetings will be held on 5-3-16 and 5-17-16 with both meetings including public hearings; the RDA Board will also meet on 5-3-16 and 5-17-16 with a public hearing included on 5-3-16. There will be a Strategic Planning meeting on 5-14-16 at the Senior Center concerning the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Also, I believe citizens may have a desire to know that there is to be serious discussions in the next month or two about our water billing structure and rate.  There has been a lot of talk about the history of the rate, our rate in relation to other cities and some upcoming funding challenges for our water infrastructure.  So if you are concerned about, or interested in this issue, please follow along with upcoming public meetings and make your thoughts known to your city representatives.

You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

City Council 3-1-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council discussed, and was in favor of, adding signage to 1150 w. to note the historical nickname of the street as “Kid Lane”.  This would be between Riverdale Road and 4400 s.  This was proposed to the city by resident Kent Anderson.
• The council approved half of a resolution amending HR policy 3-2; adjusting the language of the equal opportunity section to be in line with state and federal law.
• The council denied the other half of that resolution that would have added a new section (9-18) to the HR policy implementing a new severance package benefit for department heads, Recorder and Treasurer.
• The council awarded a bid in the amount of $165,000 dollars to Counter Point Construction to install a hydrodynamic separator in the storm water system near the 4400 s. outfall to the river.  This is the first of many of these in the city that will at some point need to be done.  These units are a preventative measure to help keep the river free from storm drainage pollutants.
• The council adopted the Annual Municipal Waste Water Report for 2016.  This is required by the state.  Our system is currently in good condition with a maintencance program that is operating sufficiently.

City Council 3-15-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• J.U.B. Engineers made a presentation to the council on the new park design.  This was the same presentation made at the park open house in February.  The only difference being there were no questions from the audience, and they had a representative go over some possible funding options through several different grants.  Some conceptual design graphics and information from this presentiation are now available on the city website here.
• Fire Chief Sholly made a presentation explaining some changes to the Old Glory Days fireworks viewing and launching areas at the park.  He feels these changes are necessary to maximize the safety of the viewers and the surrounding buildings.  I’ve included a graphic of the changes below.

RDA Board 3-15-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board approved 2 budget amendments; 1 to cover the cost of hiring the consultants to help create the new CDA, and 1 to cover the costs of demolition in the 550 W. RDA area.
• There was a brief dicussion about the layout and wording on the agenda related to public hearings and how it should be going forward.
• The report and executive session on the agenda were skipped due to lack of new information.

LOOKING AHEAD

City Council meetings will be on 4-5-16 and 4-19-16, RDA Board will meet on 4-19-16.  City officials will attend a conference in St. George 4-6-16 through 4-8-16 organized by the Utah League of Cities and Towns.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

City Council 2-2-16

Notice of cancellation.

City Council 2-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council approved the lone bid received to construct the pedestrian bridge that will span I-15 at 4400 South.  The company who submitted the bid was Contech Engineering Solutions.  The amount is $580,000.  Riverdale has been awarded funding by WACOG for this project and it has been approved through the Weber County Transportation Fund.  This project will be a great addition to the city and I am excited to see it moving forward.
• A public hearing for, and consideration of a resolution to adjust the Fire budget was rescheduled for 3-1-16.  This was done to ensure we were abiding by state code concerning public hearings.
• The council approved a resolution that resolves a boundary line issue between city property and Valley West (apartments on 300 W), LLC. property.
• On a side note, the Valley West Apartments are under contract to be sold and the new owner has indicated that he intends to refurbish and update every building inside and out, along with the asphalt.  That will be a welcome project that should contribute to the well being of the ongoing efforts in the 550 W. RDA area.

RDA Board 2-16-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, Part B

• A public hearing for, and consideration of a resolution to amend the budget for the 550 W. RDA area was rescheduled for 3-15-16.  This was done to ensure we were abiding by state code concerning public hearings.
• The board approved a resolution that resolves a boundary line issue between RDA property and Valley West, LLC.
• The board approved a resolution creating a new CDA project area map and future plan document with associated work.  This allows the consulting firm, whom we hired to help us with the new CDA, to move forward in the process.
• Dee Hansen gave another update on what is happening with the 550 W. RDA area.  They are having some soil samples done and have had some productive meetings with UDOT about possible access changes related to Riverdale Road.

New Park Open House 2-18-16

• The city had available some conceptual pictures and 3D visuals of the planned park.
• The Mayor and representatives from the park design company (J.U.B.) spoke about the process; from aquiring the land to organizing a committee to sharing ideas betwen the committee and designers to the conceptual design we have now.
• The committee consisted of residents, city councilors, planning commissioners and city staff, all working along with the designers.
• J.U.B. and the Mayor fielded questions from the audience.  Residents asked about a variety of factors; including but not limited to: timeline for construction, parking capacity and road safety, ADA accessibile features, dealing with the river bank, restrooms, trees and shade, dogs, vegitation and the plans for funding.
• The city administrator spoke briefly about the status of our “park area to resident ratio” and how we are under served in that manner by many standards.
•  More information and all the visual aides that were shared at the open house are now available on the city website here.

Strategic Planning 2-20-16

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

• We reviewed our current fiscal year to date budget status with the business administrator.
• We discussed the timeline and process of the budget formulation for Fiscal Year 2017.  The council will be presented with a tentative budget for review on 4-30-16 and will vote on that tentative budget on 5-3-16.  Then we will have another strategic planning meeting to work out the final budget on 5-14-16.  The council will receive the final budget draft on 6-7-16; when there will also be public hearings on its adoption.  On 6-21-16 the council will vote to adopt the final FY2017 budget.
• We talked about the 2005 Action Plan, its directives and agreed to keep it up to date and use it as a guiding document.  Hopefully it will be included on the city website before long.  We also received an updated copy of our Benchmark and Performance Measures.
• We went through the Capital Improvement Projects plan department by department with each department head.  They all took the opportunity to talk about their current department status, immediate needs, near future needs and longer term needs.  We talked about how they (and we as a council) would prioritize those needs.  I’ll include some notable items we discussed.
• The city administrator talked about the upcoming replacement of the entry doors at the civic center.
•  The city attorney talked about adding a small office space for use by defense council/public defenders.
• The community services director talked about some maintenance issues at the community center; including furnace and bleacher problems.  He also, with the public works director, discussed thier own front entry door issues.
• The fire chief talked about his desire for a new fire truck, with a plan to sell the ladder truck.  He said that we would be better served by a more versatile aparatus (called a “quint”).  He also indicated that he would like to change his part time receptionist to a full time position, and add part time fire fighters to have 1 more man available 24-7.  Also, some residents have asked about the status of the fire chief truck that is sitting in the parking lot; he now uses a white unmarked Tahoe (he has future plans to mark it and add proper lights) that he got surplus from our Police department.  He said they plan to keep the red chief truck and use it as a utility vehicle and surplus one of the brush trucks.
• The police chief spoke about how they have been doing fleet replacements.  Lt. Brenkman talked about replacing the police dog.  They both spoke about some technology challenges with cameras, computers, storing data and such.  They indicated there will be a required change of radios in coming years that will be a significant investment.
• The community development director spoke briefly about the current status of the RDA areas, the potential of the new CDA area and some of the ongoing development efforts in the city.
• The public works director covered the usual maintenance challenges with sewer, storm water, streets and water.  Only the water situation sounded atypical; he indicated we may need to review our water rates and or billing formula more often to cover the annual increases from the water district and his anticipated infrastructure maintenance and improvement projects.  We are also in the process of finalizing plans for a new water well.  He also talked about the need for a fence along the south border of the new park property due to some of the neighbors utilizing the land for personal use.  We also discussed the expected help we will receive from prop-1 proceeds, among other new revenue for streets, sidewalks and trails.
• After these department reviews we discussed an issue with the police regarding their hiring practices and retainment of officers.  The chief and Lt. Brenkman feel we need to make changes to how we compensate officers.
• We also had brief disussions on a variety of topics including:  Riverdale Park trail and equipment, East Park playground equipment, Ritter Dr., pickelball and tennis courts, new park property development and 4400 south traffic safety.
• Now staff will use the information gathered from these discussions to assist them in formulating the tentative budget; which they will present to the council about 2 months from now.

LOOKING AHEAD

The new library in Roy will have an open house at 2:00 pm on 2-27-16.  City Council meetings will be on 3-1-16 and 3-15-16, RDA on 3-15-16.  There will be public hearings on both nights concerning amended budgets.  You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

I’ve made a goal to keep a journal of what is happening with the city council while I am serving on it.  My plan is, at minimum, to create a brief monthly synopsis of what has gone on in the City Council, RDA and any other public meetings I am involved with; as well as a reminder of anything interesting that is upcoming I am aware of.

As always, feel free to contact me about anything you see here, or anything at all for that matter.  Thanks 🙂

City Council 1-5-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• My first meeting. Councilors Mitchell, Arnold and I are each sworn into office for 4 year terms.
• A representative of the National Park Service offered a presentation about a possible trail connection between Washington Terrace’s Rohmer Park and our river trail. She included some possible routes along with their individual benefits and obstacles.  At first glance this appears to be a great potential benefit to our east bench residents.  The project would need to involve the cooperation of some private land owners and specific funding options weren’t really discussed very much.  Early concept, but interesting.
• The council approved the appointment of a new city Treasurer (Cody Cardon) and the reappointment of the city Recorder (Jackie Manning).

City Council 1-19-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The city attorney gave a report on the recertification of the Riverdale Justice Court.
• The Fire Chief (Jared Sholly) gave a brief report introducing himself to the new councilors. He also gave notice that he intends to make a request for some changes to the city’s style of fire trucks.  He wants to get rid of the big ladder truck, keep the older fire engine and buy a new apparatus called a “quint”.
• The council approves the reappointment of a Planning Commission member (Blair Jones), the appointment of a new Planning Commission member (Robert Wingfield) and the Planning Commission’s selection of a new Chair (Steve Hilton) and Vice Chair (Blair Jones).
• The council nominated and voted in a new Mayor Pro-Tem (Councilor Mitchell).
• The council approves an ordinance changing parking lot size requirements for business developments.
• The council approves a rezone request for the area owned by the city that has been designated for a future park.
• The council approves a rezone request for an area on Riverdale Rd about 863 West. From Light Manufacturing to Regional Commercial.
• The council authorizes the solicitation of bids for construction of the 4400 South pedestrian bridge that will span Interstate-15.
• The council approves an inter-local agreement between the city and the Weber-Morgan Gang and Narcotic Strike Force.
• The council approves amendments to the handicap parking ordinance.

RDA Board 1-19-16

Agenda, Minutes, Recording:  Part A, Part B

*             The board approves funding for professional services related to the creation of a new CDA (Community Development Area) in the area from the river to 900 West and from 4400 South over to the new park area.

*             Dee Hansen (DRH Company) gives a report on the progress of property acquisitions and/or our property influence in the 550 West  RDA.

LOOKING AHEAD

• There will be an open house for public viewing and opinion about the plans for the future city park that will be located behind Sam’s Club. The open house will be on 2-18-16 at 6:30 p.m. at the community center.
• There will be a strategic planning meeting related to the next fiscal year budget on 2-20-16 at 8:00 a.m. at the senior center.
• City Council meetings will be on 2-2 and 2-16, RDA on 2-16.
• You can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.

Riverdale City is a great place to live and I’m proud to call it my hometown. I grew up here and there’s no other place that my wife and I would rather raise our family.

Because Riverdale is home to so many good people, you have excellent choices and a wide variety among the 9 candidates for city council. No matter what type of candidates you want to support, you’ll have good options on the ballot.

I am asking for your vote for Riverdale City Council. I would like to serve you by taking a fact-based, logical approach to policy-making decisions. It’s important to me to ask questions and research facts before debating, forming opinions, and voting. My end goal is to ensure the City continues to be a great place to live well into the future.

We’ve had an admirable culture of service in Riverdale, including the City staff and volunteers who contribute to our great quality of life. In addition to addressing our basic needs of public safety, streets, water and other infrastructure, the City offers programs for young and old to recreate, socialize and make the most out of our parks, trails and other community amenities. Public works and public safety make Riverdale a comfortable place to live, the businesses make it convenient, but our citizens, recreation and senior programs make Riverdale an outstanding community.

My goals as city councilor would include: fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets, maintaining a satisfactory level of core services and amenities and supporting the service-oriented culture amongst the staff by ensuring fair treatment for good results.

This community and its unique quality of life are the things I want to help preserve as your city councilor. Municipal government has a big impact on people’s day to day life, so please vote in the primary election on August 11 and again in the general election on November 3.

Please feel free to contact me, I’d appreciate any opportunity to respond to questions or concerns.

Great news!

During the last election season I presented the issue of the subpar condition of the playground equipment at the city’s east park (Read my previous post here: One of These Things Doesn’t Look Like The Others). It had obviously been neglected in comparison with the city’s two larger parks. I approached the former city administration about it in hopes to get the wheels turning on the much needed update. It’s taken some time, but it’s getting done now!

Kudos to those at the city who have made it happen!

Riverdale City East Park new equipment

Riverdale City East Park new equipment

Participating with the inaugural Riverdale Youth City Council was a key factor in, and kindled my interest in our community, civic responsibility and municipal government.  I would encourage the city’s teenagers to find a way to participate in any capacity with the program if they can.

Electing a former participant would be a great encouragement and motivation for our youth to get involved, learn and contribute to our community.

The Riverdale Youth City Council worked to get a sign at the Weber County Fairgrounds recognizing the City’s donation of a pavilion.

The Youth City Council decorated the City’s float for the 1995 Old Glory Days parade. I’m in the red hat in the center of the picture.

In addition to learning about the City’s different departments and government functions, we did service projects like paint the Welcome to Riverdale signs, graffiti cleanup and work along the River Trail.

We planned and hosted a one-day regional youth council leadership training and invited other youth city councils from Weber and Davis County to participate.