Louise Jorgensen

January 2017 marked the beginning of a new calendar year, but also the end of an era in the City Council office as well as Provo City's Neighborhood Program. Louise Jorgensen retired from her work as the Council's Executive Office Assistant and was honored at the January 4 Council meeting.

Her job title doesn’t begin to describe all that she did for Council members, staff, and Provo’s Neighborhood Program. In her nine years here Louise became the heart and backbone of the Council Office. Nearly every responsibility in the office had been part of her job at one time or another and she had been a key part of welcoming each new employee and helping them to get their bearings. We have a small staff so she has had a huge impact on the entire team.

Council members relied on Louise for support. She was often the first to greet visitors or to help those who called in with questions. Even the longest of meeting days was so much better when it started with a cheerful greeting from Louise when you walked in the door.

Summary of the January 17 Meetings

In the Work Session

Zoning Compliance Committee
Zoning compliance continues to be a top priority and Council established a committee with Council members Dave Knecht, George Stewart, and Kim Santiago as members. Santiago will serve as the committee's chair. Their mission is to review recommendations from citizens and the Administration pertaining to zoning enforcement and compliance, and to advise the Council on how to move forward with those recommendations.

Implied Motions
One of the amendments to the Council Policies and Procedures Handbook that was approved refers to an implied motion. During Council meetings (not work meetings), after any presentations and public comment on an agenda item, the Council Chair will declare, by rule, an implied motion to affirmatively pass the measure under consideration. This can be an efficient way to provide a clear starting point for debate. The Council may vote to amend the motion as often as necessary during debate before voting on whether or not to pass the measure.

Provo City Council Work Meeting, January 17, 2017

Agenda  (Times have been added to the ends of the individual agenda items to help you find them in the video.)

Summary of the January 3 Meetings

In the Work Session

Zoning Compliance
Hannah Petersen, Provost Neighborhood Vice Chair, presented statistics regarding zoning violations in her neighborhood as well as some recommendations for improving zoning compliance in Provo. Community Development also presented some potential options for improving zoning compliance. Further discussion and formation of a committee to address the issue will take place at the January 17 work meeting.

Compensation for Elected Officials
Council approved a proposal to create a process for independent review and recommendation of Council compensation by including it in the existing mayoral compensation review process, with the same structure and similar timing as already established. Staff will prepare an ordinance to be considered at the next Council meeting, with the goal of appointing the Elected Officials Compensation Commission in February 2017, work completed by end of April 2017, and any compensation changes to take effect in January 2018.

Provo City Council Work Meeting, January 3, 2017

Agenda  (Times have been added to the ends of the individual agenda items to help you find them in the video.)