Citizens Agenda for Meetings on June 15, 2021

Citizens Agenda

Council meeting agendas are often difficult for people to navigate. Filled with jargon and legal requirements on how an item must be listed, it can be a challenge to determine what Council members are actually discussing or deciding on. 

What follows is a staff interpretation of the agendas. 

The official published agendas and supporting materials can be found here:  http://agendas.provo.org 

This meeting will be conducted as a hybrid meeting, with some in-person components as well as continued virtual meeting access. The meeting will be available to the public for live broadcast and on-demand viewing on YouTube and Facebook at: youtube.com/provocitycouncil and facebook.com/provocouncil. The in-person meeting will be held in the Council Chambers with limited seating to accommodate social distancing and related public health measures. For information on how to view the meetings and how to contribute public comments, visit our blog. Click here for specific information on making public comments in the online meetings.

PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Work Meeting Agenda

1:00 pm, Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Work Meetings are designed to be a less formal venue for discussion among Council Members. Generally, no public input is taken during the meeting.

Business

1. A presentation regarding a Local Government Disaster Fund. (21-066)

• There has been a discussion about creating a Local Government Disaster Fund as authorized in UCA 53-2a-605. Creation of a Local Government Disaster Fund would be used to fund the services and activities of the local government in response to a declared disaster within the boundaries of the local government, the aftermath of the disaster within the boundaries of the local government, and emergency preparedness (it cannot spend more than 10% of the money budgeted to be deposited during a fiscal year for emergency preparedness). The State's Disaster Recovery Fund will make loans to local governments on preferential rates depending on the amount reserved in the fund over the five previous fiscal years; the local government must reserve at least 50% of the amount authorized in UCA 53-2a-605 over the previous five fiscal years to qualify for a loan. That number is based on a percentage of the total estimated revenues of the local government for the current fiscal period that are not restricted or otherwise obligated. There are a few issues that might be discussed: 1. Creation of a Local Government Disaster Fund itself 2. How to fund it. 3. How much should the fund balance should be.
  If the Council decides to create the Disaster Fund the Finance Department would be asked to come back to the Council in a future meeting to discuss the funding options as well as what the maximum fund balance should be. This is a continuation of the discussion from the June 1 work meeting.
  

2. A discussion regarding the Rental Dwelling License Fees. (21-063)

• Currently the cost for a Residential Dwelling License (RDL)is $20.00 (twenty dollars) and no more than $60.00 (sixty dollars), the difference is determined by how many properties a license holder has. There are 2,713 RDL’s in Provo that are projected to generate $150,000 for FY 2022. The cost associated with administering the program is estimated to be $100.00 (one hundred dollars) per license. We are asking the Council for direction in reevaluating how costs for the licenses are assigned to ensure that the program is operating at a cost recovery model and not taking funds from the General Fund. This is a continuation of the discussion at the June 1 work meeting.

3. A presentation regarding Property Taxes (21-064)

• As part of the FY 2022 budget discussions, a suggestion was made that additional police officers could be added if the city were to increase property tax revenues by increasing the certified tax rate by some amount. It was noted that property taxes have not been raised for several years and that the property tax portion of total general revenues is diminishing in significance. At the June 1, 2021 Work meeting staff presented on the Truth in Taxation process and the projected revenues a rate increase would generate. The presentation on June 15 will discuss the rates set by Utah County and its impact on the City's budget.

4. A Resolution Transferring $200,000 from the General Fund to the Energy Fund for Land Acquisition and Appropriating $465,844 in the General Fund for a Metal Building and Incinerator. (21-058)

• The Police Department is in need of space suitable to park and store equipment. The Energy Fund owns a piece of land that could be used for this purpose. The land would be purchased from the Energy Fund via a transfer from the General Fund. A metal building would be constructed on the property. A new evidence incinerator is also needed. An RFP was issued, and bids reviewed. The low bid was $421,000 for the building and $42,450 for the incinerator.

5. A presentation regarding the Intent Statement for the Southwest Area Plan. (21-067)

• This will be a discussion about the Southwest Area Plan and the policies developed by the Westside Planning Committee. As development keeps happening in the Southwest Area of Provo we need to look at the policies that govern this area these include the General Plan, Westside Development Policies and the Southwest Area Future Land Use Map, to ensure that development in this area proceeds in a manner that is consistent with adopted Council Policies.

6. An update on the agreement with Christensen Oil authorized by Ordinance 2020-21. (21-078)

• At the May 05, 2020, Council Meeting the Council approved an ordinance amending the uses in the Light Manufacturing Zone (M1). There was a Development Agreement included within the ordinance, staff is making a presentation to the Council concerning the status and results of the negotiations regarding the Development Agreement. 

    

  Redevelopment Agency Governing Board

    

7. A presentation regarding the Redevelopment Agency operations. (21-070)

• In response to questions from Council, staff decided to make a presentation outlining the Redevelopment Agency and some of its functions.

8. Approval of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with McWhinney Real Estate and Appropriate $100,000 from the New Development (Fund 279) Fund Balance to help pay for studies (21-072)

• Through a RFP selection process, staff has selected McWhinney Real Estate from Denver, Colorado to redevelop the existing City Hall block once we vacate our offices and move into the new building. The attached Exclusive Negotiating Agreement allows McWhinney to perform studies to determine the size, scope and feasibility of the project. The Agency is asking to contribute $100,000 to that effort with the understanding we will be able to reimburse ourselves from the tax increment generated on the site. We are also going to receive copies of all studies performed on the property.

9. A resolution regarding a Parking Sublicense Agreement between the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City, Provo Housing Authority, Norco Vista LLC., and 85 North Condominium Association Inc.. (21-077)

• This is for the 85 N 100 E housing project which will house low income seniors and individuals with autism.

  
  Policy Items Referred from the Planning Commission

   

10. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately 3.8 acres of real property, generally located at 5600 N University Avenue, from Manufacturing Park (MP) to General Commercial (CG) Zone. Riverbottoms Neighborhood. (PLRZ20200272)

• The applicant is asking for the properties on approximately 3.8 acres located at approximately 5600 N University Avenue to be rezoned from the Manufacturing Park (MP) to the General Commercial (CG). There are two properties, each with an existing building located on them. These buildings have been vacant for a while and have needed repairs and improvements. The applicant would like to bring new life and appeal to these buildings and this area at the northern entrance into Provo City by making the needed improvements. Planning Commission recommended approval.

11. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately .80 acres of real property, generally located at 690 E 500 S, from Residential Conservation (RC) to Medium Density Residential (MRD) zone. Maeser Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210086)

• The 0.82-acre subject property lies in the RC Zone in an area of mixed uses. There are many residents in the area, which appear to be single-family. There is attached housing just to the south of the subject property. A large apartment complex is under construction just to the northeast of the property. There are a few small businesses near the subject property. The property lies approximately one-half block north of the Provo City Cemetery. Two dwellings and a detached garage lie on the subject land. The subject property has an abundance of open space that may be currently under-utilized. Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions.

12. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately 23.5 acres of real property, generally located at 200 N Lakeshore Drive from Agricultural (A1.10) and (A1.5) to Residential (R1.8) and Residential Agricultural (RA) Zone. Fort Utah Neighborhood (PLRZ20210049)

• Currently, Community and Neighborhood Services is overseeing a General Plan update. Recently the Council approved an expenditure to expand the Scope of Work for the contractor on the General Plan to include a section on Sustainability. The Foothills Protection Committee is making a presentation regarding the possible expansion of the Scope of Work for the General Plan to include sections covering plans for the Foothills and Canyons, Gateways, and possibly Lakes and Rivers.

 

Closed Meeting

• Closed meetings (aka executive meetings) are held without the public present and must meet one of the conditions listed in Utah State Code (§ 52-4-204 and 52-4-205 et. seq.). If a closed meeting is needed, it will be announced at that time.

Adjournment

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PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL

Regular Meeting Agenda

5:30 PM, Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Opening Ceremony

• Items in this category do not involve legislative action. 

Presentations, Proclamations, and Awards

• Items in this category do not involve legislative action. 

1. A presentation commending Deputy Chief Jeremy Headman for completing the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program and receiving the Executive Fire Officer Designation (21-074).

2. A presentation regarding the Provo Freedom Festival (21-075).

 

Public Comment

• Instructions for making public comments at this electronic meeting can be found on the officially published agenda: agendas.provo.org.

• Dial 346 248 7799. Enter Meeting ID 856 1978 6985 and press #. When asked for a participant ID, press #. To join via computer, use the same meeting ID and enter passcode: 581042.

• Fifteen minutes have been set aside for any person to express ideas, concerns, comments, or issues that are not on the agenda:

• Please state your name and city of residence into the microphone.

• Please limit your comments to two minutes.

• State Law prohibits the Council from acting on items that do not appear on the agenda.

Action Agenda

3. A public hearing on transferring Utility Revenues to the General Fund & other funds (21-015)

• State law requires that Provo City provide an annual disclosure of funds transferred from the utility enterprise funds to the General Fund. Historically, Provo has budgeted for the transfer of 10% of utility revenues to the General Fund as a "dividend" to Provo taxpayers as the result of the taxpayers' investment in the City's utility infrastructure. These funds are used each year to help cover the costs of important City services like police, fire, parks and recreation, and other City functions. The utility transfer, together with franchise fees, helps keep property taxes in Provo low. If City utility services were provided by private utility owners, these dividends would instead be paid to investor-owners. Because Provo taxpayers are the investor-owners, these dividends are used to offset what otherwise would be a significant increase in property tax rates. The 10% transfer totals $11,907,231 in the proposed 2022 budget.

• Since 2013, a 1% transfer from utility fund revenues has been transferred to the General Fund to be used to enhance available funding for road maintenance. The 2022 budget proposes that $1,190,723 be transferred to the General Fund. It is more cost effective and operationally efficient for certain administrative functions such as legal, human resources, information technology, and finance to be administered on a city-wide basis. Transfers from the funds receiving the benefit of these administrative services to the General Fund totaling $1,258,504 have been included in the proposed 2022 budget. The transfers from utility fund revenues to the General Fund total $14,356,458 in the proposed FY2022 budget.

4. An ordinance adopting a budget for Provo City Corporation for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022, in the amount of $303,469,053. (21-015)

• The Mayor presented the Tentative FY2021-2022 Budget at the May 4, 2021 Council Meeting. It was tentatively approved in the May 18, 2021 Council Meeting. Utah State Code requires two public hearings regarding the proposed budget prior to final adoption. This is the last of two public hearings held.

Redevelopment Agency of Provo

5. Approval of an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with McWhinney Real Estate and Appropriate $100,000 from the New Development (Fund 279) Fund Balance to help pay for studies (21-072)

• This was item 8 on the work meeting agenda.

6. A resolution adopting a budget for the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City Corporation for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021, and ending June 30, 2022, in the amount of $1,184,648 (21-015).

• This is the second of two public hearings; the first one was held on June 1, 2021. Tonight, the Governing Board will consider final adoption of the FY2022 Budget for Provo City Redevelopment Agency.

7. A resolution regarding a Parking Sublicense Agreement between the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City, Provo Housing Authority, Norco Vista LLC., and 85 North Condominium Association Inc.. (21-077)

• This was item 9 on the work meeting agenda.

Stormwater Service District Governing Board

8. A Public Hearing on transferring Stormwater Fund revenues to the General Fund and ERP Debt Service Fund (21-015)

• State law requires that the Provo City Stormwater Service District provide an annual disclosure of Stormwater funds transferred from the utility to the General Fund. Historically, Provo has budgeted for the transfer of 10% of utility fund revenues to the General Fund as a "dividend" to Provo taxpayers as the result of the taxpayers' investment in the City's utility infrastructure. These funds are used each year to help cover the costs of important City services like police, fire, parks and recreation, and other city functions. The utility transfer, together with franchise fees, helps keep property taxes in Provo low. If City utility services were provided by private utility owners, these dividends would instead be paid to investor-owners. Because Provo taxpayers are the investor-owners, these dividends are used to offset what otherwise would be a significant increase in property tax rates.

9. A Resolution Adopting a Budget for the Provo City Stormwater Service District in the Amount of $5,068,938 for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2021 and Ending June 30, 2022. (21-015)

• This is the second of two public hearings, the first one was held on June 1, 2021. Tonight, the Governing Board will consider final adoption of the FY2022 Budget for Provo City Stormwater Service District.  

Action Agenda

10. A discussion regarding the adoption of the Fire Master Plan. (21-069)

• This was presented at the June 1 work meeting.

11. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately 3.8 acres of real property, generally located at 5600 N University Avenue, from Manufacturing Park (MP) to General Commercial (CG) Zone. Riverbottoms Neighborhood. (PLRZ20200272)

• This was item 10 on the work meeting agenda.

12. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approximately .80 acres of real property, generally located at 690 E 500 S, from Residential Conservation (RC) to Medium Density Residential (MRD) zone. Maeser Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210086)

• This was item 11 on the work meeting agenda.

13. A discussion regarding the Intent Statement for the Southwest Area Plan. (21-067)

• This was item 5 on the work meeting agenda.

14. An ordinance amending the Zone Map classification of approx 23.5 acres of real property, generally located at 200 N Lakeshore Dr. from Agricultural (A1.10) and (A1.5) to Residential (R1.8) and Residential Agricultural (RA) Zone. Fort Utah Neighborhood. (PLRZ20210049)

• This was item 12 on the work meeting agenda.

Adjournment

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What do those numbers at the ends of the agenda items mean?

• Items on the agenda are given a file number by Council staff or Community Development staff to help with tracking the item through the legislative process and to organize the supporting materials.

• You may find it helpful in cases where an item may be worded a little differently on different agendas. Matching up that file number helps you see that it is the same issue.

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