Summary of the March 7 Meetings

In the Work Session

Vote by Mail
Over the past several years there has been growing interest in moving from voting at polling locations on Election Day to a vote-by-mail (VBM) election. In 2015, several cities in Utah County chose the VBM option and each of them nearly doubled their voter turnout. Although the costs were higher, the cost-per-vote was less than in previous years. In 2016, 21 out of 29 counties in Utah administered a VBM election. Utah County has opted to administer a VBM election in 2017 for any city that contracts with them. They can only administer one type of election, so the electronic voting machines will not be available.

Provo City's administration recommends contracting with Utah County for a VBM election. This option would still include one polling location where voting could be done in person. Council members asked for more input before they make a decision at the March 21 Council meeting. Provo citizens are asked to give their opinion on Open City Hall as to how they would like to cast their vote in 2017.


Water Division Presentation
Provo City's Water Division is doing a series of presentations at Council work sessions to provide information requested by the Council and the Budget Committee. The goal is to gain more insight to prepare for the upcoming budget season. The presentation at this meeting began by reviewing the Executive Summary portion of the 2010 Water System Master Plan.

The Council also:

• Heard a presentation on form-based code.
• Discussed Provo Power's AMI opt-out policy and fee request. This will be formally heard at the March 21 Council meeting.
• Discussed the idea of creating a Public Works Board. Council asked staff to do some additional research. Council also approved a motion for the Mayor to move forward with creating a tas force to examine options regarding the water treatment plant.
• Received the Westside Planning Committee's recommendations and sent them to the Planning Commission for review. These will return to a future work session.
• Discussed proposed neighborhood boundary changes. The recommendation regarding the Downtown Neighborhood was held back for additional research and review and the other proposals will be formally heard at the March 21 Council meeting.
• Discussed appointing temporary Justice Court judges. This will be formally heard at the March 21 Council meeting.
• Continued with their discussion on a proposed amendment to parking ratios for off-street parking standards in specific zones. This will be discussed again at the March 21 work session and formal action taken at the March 21 Council meeting.

In the Formal Meeting

Metropolitan Water Board
The Council is responsible for appointing members to the board of trustees of the Metropolitan Water District of Provo. Dave Decker, Provo City Public Works Director, was appointed as per provisions of Provo City Code. Richard Brimhall, Greg Hudnall, and Scott Steffensen were appointed to terms ending December 31, 2019. Cindy Richards, Dennis Weir, and Woodruff Miller were appointed to terms ending December 31, 2021.

The Council also:

• Saw a presentation from the Provo Bicycle Committee of the Golden Spoke Winter Bicycle Commuter Award to Josh Gubler.
• Passed an ordinance amending Provo City Code regarding permit parking areas.
• Passed a resolution to adopt the Southeast Neighborhoods Plan as a component of the Provo City General Plan. This covers the Provost, Provost South, and Spring Creek Neighborhoods.
• Passed a resolution renewing the surplus status of unsold property on the Surplus Property List.
• Held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance adjusting parking ratios for off-street parking in specific zones. This will have another public hearing and be up for Council action at the March 21 Council meeting.
• Passed a resolution adding a structure at 690 West 300 South in the Franklin Neighborhood to the Provo Landmarks Register.

This is a general summary of the Council's meetings. For a more detailed agenda and minutes, please visit our public documents site: http://publicdocuments.provo.org/sirepub/meet.aspx
Video recordings:  Work Meeting and Council Meeting

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