In the Work Session
Franklin and Franklin South Neighborhoods
A group of three MPA students from Brigham Young University have been working on a project in the Franklin and Franklin South Neighborhoods. They developed an independent action plan to revitalize the neighborhoods and presented this information to he Economic Development Department as well as the City Council. Their recommendations included conducting a comprehensive housing study of the area, encouraging more mixed use developments while maintaining historic ideas and feels, providing amenities that attract millennials, and reevaluating the residential conservation zones to attract businesses that will influence economic development for the area.
The Council also:
- Heard a presentation on west side sewer infrastructure options.
- Heard a presentation from the Utah Ombudsman's Office regarding the eminent domain process.
- Discussed a proposed joint resolution expressing opposition to House Bill 164.
- Heard a brief update on the Urban Deer Program. More information will be available at the end of the season.
- Had a brief discussion on the citywide Economic Development Strategic Plan.
- Discussed and updated mission statements and scope for various Council committees.
- Continued an item to discuss a Budget Committee request for a Water Division review.
- Postponed until a future meeting a presentation from Utah Transit Authority regarding transit oriented development.
- Discussed a proposed ordinance regarding camping on public property. This will be formally heard at the February 21 Council meeting.
- Discussed funding for a new attorney and another zoning officer in the upcoming budget year.
In the Formal Meeting
Opposition to House Bill 164:
Council passed a joint resolution with the Mayor stating their opposition to House Bill 164 or any other bill which limits the ability for a municipality to transfer funds from an enterprise fund to the General Fund. This bill would have a significant impact on Provo City residents, Provo City government, and businesses in Provo. Currently, Provo transfers 11% of all utility revenue (enterprise funds) to the General Fund, and that transfer is considered a dividend to the residents and businesses of Provo City and is not directly attributable to those enterprise funds. The annual transfer to the General Fund totals just under $10 million. HB 164 would limit the City's ability to transfer enterprise funds to the General Fund. If this bill is passed, Provo City could no longer transfer that 11%, and since they already charge an attributable fee to the utilities, Provo City would need to find an additional $10 million to cover anticipated revenue losses. Since property tax is the only tool the City currently can use to adjust their revenue and nearly 50% of the city is exempt from paying property tax, replacing that revenue would require a 239% property tax increase and would shift more of the burden onto a smaller number of property owners.
The Council also:
Video recordings: Work Meeting and Council Meeting
Council passed a joint resolution with the Mayor stating their opposition to House Bill 164 or any other bill which limits the ability for a municipality to transfer funds from an enterprise fund to the General Fund. This bill would have a significant impact on Provo City residents, Provo City government, and businesses in Provo. Currently, Provo transfers 11% of all utility revenue (enterprise funds) to the General Fund, and that transfer is considered a dividend to the residents and businesses of Provo City and is not directly attributable to those enterprise funds. The annual transfer to the General Fund totals just under $10 million. HB 164 would limit the City's ability to transfer enterprise funds to the General Fund. If this bill is passed, Provo City could no longer transfer that 11%, and since they already charge an attributable fee to the utilities, Provo City would need to find an additional $10 million to cover anticipated revenue losses. Since property tax is the only tool the City currently can use to adjust their revenue and nearly 50% of the city is exempt from paying property tax, replacing that revenue would require a 239% property tax increase and would shift more of the burden onto a smaller number of property owners.
The Council also:
- Heard a presentation from the Provo Rotary Club about their efforts installing benches in Provo City parks along the Provo River Trail.
- Heard an update on bus rapid transit (BRT) as part of the Provo-Orem TRIP project currently under construction.
- Consented to the Mayor's appointments of Dave Anderson to the Planning Commission, Deon Turley to the Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee, Liz Maxfield and Eliot Wilcox to the Arts Council, and Paul Greenwood to the Energy Board.
- Passed a resolution regarding the intent to expand the Foothill Parking Permit Area. The vote to expand the parking permit area will be held at the February 21 Council meeting.
- Appointed Dave Acheson, Ray Christensen, and Kevin Garver to the Elected Officials Compensation Commission. They are joined by Ben Markham, Cameron Martin, and Kim Scoville, who were appointed by the Mayor. These six will choose one additional member of the commission.
- Passed a joint resolution of the Mayor and Municipal Council outlining their support for House Bill 134 to require the testing of medium and light-duty diesel vehicles in Utah County.
- Passed a joint resolution of the Mayor and Municipal Council supporting a Provo Agriculture Commission.
- Rescinded an action taken on December 6, 2016, regarding the Metropolitan Water District and passed an ordinance amending portions of Provo City Code. This was a correction to items that conflicted with State Code.
- Passed a resolution appropriating funds for the purchase of equipment and operational needs of the Fire Department.
Video recordings: Work Meeting and Council Meeting
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