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Thursday, March 1, 2012
Connecting Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs
JOURNAL
EM settles with former mayor By Emily Fotheringham Staff Writer
Eagle Mountain recently agreed to a six-figure settlement with former mayor Brian Olsen. Public Information Director Linda Peterson states, “Eagle Mountain City followed the mandate of the court and paid a settlement to former mayor Brian Olsen in the amount of $100,412.72.” Olsen was elected mayor of Eagle Mountain in the November 2005 election, but stepped down
less than a year later when he was accused of mishandling the city’s money. It was suggested that Olsen was using city funds to be reimbursed for travel he was doing on behalf of city business, but that he wasn’t actually doing said business. A Utah County attorney quickly filed seven charges against Olsen, all third-degree felonies for the misuse of public funds. In 2008, after a four-day trial, a jury found Olsen to be not guilty of the charges. Once deemed not-guilty, Olsen attempted to regain his legal
By Loy Brunson Guest Writer
In a one hour meeting you can become a state delegate! Are you looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Attending an upcoming precinct meeting is a great place to start. In the State of Utah, a precinct caucus meeting is composed of individuals of the same political party, whose purpose is to elect state and county delegates to represent them at their party's state and county conventions. Precinct meetings are usually less than an hour and a half in length, and are generally held in your neighborhood at a school or community center. Although the outcome of these precinct meetings shapes the future of Utah, and in that regard is serious business, the atmosphere is typically relaxed and very upbeat. Most of the individuals attending your precinct meeting will be familiar to you and may very well live next door or across the street. Many organizations realize the importance of precinct meet-
Neptune Park
financial losses by suing the City of Eagle Mountain. Eagle Mountain tried to get the case dismissed, but the judge sided with Olsen, leading Eagle Mountain to appeal to the state supreme court, who also sided with Olsen. Now five and a half years later, the litigation with Olsen will end upon payment of the settlement. The $100,412.72 settlement is at least $30,000 short of what Olsen was trying to be reimbursed. Eagle Mountain’s City Council unanimously agreed to the settlement.
What the heck is a caucus or precinct meeting and why is it so important? ings and the role they play in shaping Utah and the nation, and therefore strongly advise their members to participate. These organizations include churches, labor organizations, civic groups, wildlife conservation groups, and other politically-minded organizations. Chances are you belong to an organization that has made an urgent request that you participate in this important civic and political process. It is common for individuals desiring to be state or county delegates to spend time prior to the precinct meetings “campaigning.” In other words, talking with neighbors and friends about their political views and their desire to represent the people in their precinct. They recognize the advantage of doing a little “homework.” These individuals have a much higher probability of being selected as delegates. During a precinct meeting there is usually a short vetting process for those desiring to become delegates. This vetting process is vitally important as it allows attendees to get a basic understanding of the political views of those desiring to be dele-
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gates before the actual voting for delegates occurs. If you become a state delegate, you will have the privilege of attending your party's state convention. At the state convention you will vote for state and federal candidates that will ultimately run for office against candidates of other parties in November. Federal officials that will be elected this year include four U.S. House of Representatives and one U.S. Senator. This year the Democratic leadership has decided to have their precinct meetings before any of the other party precinct meetings. Democratic Party precinct meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 13, followed by the Republican Party and Constitution Party precinct meetings which will be held on Thursday, March 15. The precinct meetings and the Libertarian State Convention will be held Saturday, April 21, 2012. For more information including times, locations and party phone numbers go to: http://elections.utah.gov/Media/De fault/Documents/elections%20reso urces/2012%20caucus.pdf.
By Nancy Kramer Staff Writer
There is a spectacular new park in Saratoga Springs. Neptune Park includes a playground with many innovative features, benches placed in strategic locations for those who need a place to sit back and take in the surrounding scenery, six basketball standards, a pavilion with picnic tables and benches, restroom facilities, a large grassy field for soccer athletes, a lovely stage area, and several garbage cans so patrons can take care of their trash. The playground consists of a tot lot where the smaller children can have a great time without encountering the bigger, more aggressive kids. In this area a playhouse awaits them, along with a rotating table, swings, spinner bowls and a seesaw. The playground’s main feature attraction is the “Supernova,” a large climbing structure that’s sure to attract many adventurers who will challenge themselves to scurry all the way to the top. Of course, there are swings and slides, but there are
some unusual pieces with name such as the “Crest,” the “Icon Rocker,” and the “Icon Space.” Unusual devices let the rider either stand or sit, gathering momentum until they are propelling themselves in dizzying circles. Other amenities include an event stage where performances such as concerts or plays can be presented. The large parking lot will accommodate many patrons for such events. If you have a family reunion in your future, the roomy pavilion will provide you with adequate room for entertaining a multitude of relatives. A favorite area for up and coming basketball stars is the court containing six basketball standards, with a shorter one for the younger players. Just west of the playground and basketball area is the soccer field, which looks large enough to accommodate several games. Neptune Park is approximately 10.8 acres and is located on 400 North and 452 West, just north of Lake View Academy Charter School. You don’t have to wait until summer to take advantage of this beautiful park.
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Thursday, March 1, 2012
Cascade Collision controversy By Nancy Kramer Staff Writer
There’s trouble afoot in them there hills…Harvest Hills, that is. Cascade Collision wants to build on the north side, past Harvest Village. Driving north on Redwood Road, one can see that roadwork is being done where four office buildings will be built. The next property after the office buildings is where the collision center
wants to locate. Residents in Harvest Hills wonder why they need another automotive facility as they already have Saratoga Tire and Auto just south of Saratoga Hills. On the east side of Redwood Road, The Car Doctors recently had its grand opening. The property where the new facility may be built has been zoned for commercial development for the past ten years. “Cascade Collision’s
next step is to submit a site plan and conditional use application,” stated Jim McNulty, planning director for Saratoga Springs. He went on to say that the public could express their opinions at public hearings with both the Planning Commission and the City Council. Whether the plan to build a new Cascade Collision Center near the entrance of Harvest Hills goes forward is still up in the air.
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Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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SS City Council Notes By Jennifer Klingonsmith Staff Writer
February 21, 2012 The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. Those present included Michael McOmber, Jim Miller, Shellie Baertsch, Rebecca Call, Mayor Mia Love and city staff. Bud Poduska was absent. Policy items Consent Calendar The consent calendar was unanimously approved. Review and discussion of the proposed city website content. City staff and a web design firm had recently been working on redesigning the city’s website. They had brought several mock-ups to receive feedback from the City Council. City Council members suggested that the website needed to emphasize Utah Lake. They also wanted the color scheme to be predominantly blue and include the city’s tagline, “Life’s just better here.” Councilwoman Rebecca Call, who designs websites for a living, wanted to ensure that the website was fluid, or easily changed by city staff. She wanted more drop-in widgets and a file manager system. Mayor Mia Love stated that there was a disconnect between the city’s existing marketing materials and the website. She wanted the look and the message to be consistent. There was extended discussion on just what functions the website should perform. City Council members insisted that residents be able to pay their utility bills, register for recreation programs, look at an
online newsletter, and that the site be mobile-friendly. Resolution R12-8 (2-21-12): Refunding SID Bonds for reduced interest rate. A resolution of the City Council of the City of Saratoga Springs, Utah, authorizing the issuance and sale of not more than $4,500,000 aggregate principle amount of special assessment refunding bonds (Special Improvement District No. 2005-1), Series 2012; fixing the maximum aggregate principle amount of the bonds, the maximum number of years over which bonds may mature, the maximum interest rate which the bonds may bear, and the maximum discount from par at which the bonds may be sold. The resolution passed unanimously. Public safety reports Fire Chief Jess Campbell reported the fire department’s yearend statistics for 2011. He reported that fire personnel had transported 224 patients and had received a total of 466 calls for assistance. The average response time was eight minutes. The fire department received 251 fire calls with an average response time of nine minutes. He noted that the longer response time for fires was due to many being brush fires. Campbell also noted that the ambulance response time dropped to six minutes once the ambulance was relocated to a more central location in the city. Councilman Michael McOmber asked why the fire department’s overtime budget was 90 percent spent and why contracted expenditures were high. Campbell noted that overtime was under-funded. When fire inves-
tigations can only be conducted by individuals with specific training, overtime costs are going to increase, he stated. The high cost of contracting with a physician was just part of the cost that comes with running a paramedic service, Campbell concluded. Campbell did note that the fire department was reducing costs by labeling firefighter turnout jackets with the title, “Utah County Metro Unit” rather than “Saratoga Springs Fire Department”. He said that firefighters tend to work with multiple agencies on a part-time basis. This way, when personnel work with other agencies in Northern Utah County, they can wear the same turnout jacket (which is an expensive piece of equipment). Police Chief Gary Hicken also reported his year-end statistics. He stated that in 2011, police responded to 5,107 incidents (an incident is an event where a report was written). The average response time was seven minutes. The police department conducted 1,046 investigations, clearing 1,100 of them (this higher number reflects investigations that were started in previous years, but cleared in 2011). Hicken reported that the police department issued 1,200 traffic citations. Some of the goals the police department will be working on this coming year include a quicker response time and to do more selfinitiated police work. Hicken also noted the success of Polar Plunge. He reported 201 jumpers and $16,000 raised. It was the largest Polar Plunge event in the State of Utah. Proceeds went to the Special Olympics. City council members then
EM City Council Notes By Danielle Palmer Staff Writer February 21, 2012 Mayor Heather Jackson called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. She expressed her appreciation to the Boy Scouts and their willingness to perform the flag ceremony, as she would like to have it more often. Those attending the meeting included Mayor Jackson, Donna Burnham, John Painter, Richard Steinkopf and Ryan Ireland. Council member Nathan Ochsenhirt participated by phone from North Dakota. Also present was Fire Chief Rand Andrus, City Engineer Christ Trusty, Planning Director Steve Mumford and Assistant City Administrator Ifo Pili. Items of information The Eagle Mountain mobile application is now working. You can search for the app to download on your cell phone by searching “Eagle Mountain.” They are working out the bugs, so if you come across anything in need of attention, email Linda Peterson. The Democratic Caucus meeting will be Tuesday, March 13, and the Republican Caucus meeting will take place Thursday, March 15. Richard Steinkopf pointed out a new map has been made for the area, including Lehi and Saratoga Springs. He advises to pick one up. Consent agenda Ireland moved for item #15 as pertaining to the Trailhead Park Plan to be moved off the consent agenda so it would be open for discussion. The rest of the consent agenda was approved.
Policy items Trailhead Park plan Chris Trusty presented the plan to the council. The plan was to change the configuration of the road and improvement of a park area. Improvements would include grass and trees in the northern part of the area, a trail being added, and more parking added. The park would be extended south to include more grass and trees and a drinking fountain and bench. The budget portion already agreed upon is $25,000. Ireland expressed concerns about having only six or seven parking spots in this area. He explained that in the future, a UTA bus stop may be placed near the park and more parking would then be needed. He suggests more parking in the back west portion of the park with a bike rack and other accommodations. Chris Trusty defended the plan and clarified that two additional parking lots are nearby for use to park and ride. But Ireland still insisted that 20 stalls be more sufficient as people would park to use the bus during bad weather. He stated that it was too premature to know what the UTA will do. If it becomes a bus stop, there will be concerns in parking. Jackson explained that she met with the UTA that afternoon and was given the info about a plan in December to open a new front-runner service to Provo. At the moment, there is an express that runs from Nolan Park in to Salt Lake. When this front-runner opens, the express will no longer run. She explained the plan for the new bus route in detail and explained that riders
in Eagle Point would most likely be the only ones that wouldn’t walk to the bus stop. Burnham then voiced her concerns about the area becoming too crowded by cars in a parking lot. Again, it was clarified that the majority of people riding would walk. Painter asked should these funds be put toward paying for a nice bus stop? Burnham pointed out that the money had already been approved in the budget. Painter then added that being budgeted does not mean they must spend it. The vote to table the item was then taken and all votes were yes. Consideration and adoption of an ordinance in Eagle Mountain, amending the Eagle Mountain Development Code Chapter 17.80 on sign regulations and sign permits. Steve Mumford noted that the proposed code amendment modifies the regulations concerning off-premises ladder signs and allows signs for home-based businesses with certain restrictions. The concessions agreement includes a limit of 30 maximum ladder signs, all consistent in color and design, intended for licensed businesses. It used to be for model homes only, but now is to be for more uses. They are hoping for the concession agreement to be complete soon and are anticipating it to be complete in a year time. After one year, if one party decides to change, they may do so. Home business signs would be allowed that currently are not. The hope is to provide opportunities to promote business without sacrificing the
asked Chiefs Campbell and Hicken to comment on the sometimes-dangerous intersection of Pony Express Parkway and Redwood Road. They asked what safety improvements should be made. Campbell thought that too many drivers pushed the boundaries when it came to obeying the colored lights. Hicken suggested the lights be adjusted to reflect times of heavy traffic (longer turn lights to clear turn lanes) and also to let more time
pass after a red light. Financial Quarterly Reports Assistant City Manager Spencer Kyle introduced a new senior accountant. He reported that Randy Booth came to the city after working at PEHP (Public Employee Health Plans) for the last 12 years. He is a certified public finance officer. Booth noted that the city was receiving $1.9 million in property
atmosphere of the neighborhoods. John Painter then asked about what businesses would get preference to these signs or if anyone would have access to use them. The mayor noted that the prioritization would go to those standing in commercial zones first. Then the home-based licensed businesses in Eagle Mountain would be next and then if there were signs remaining it would go to others. Mumford then explained about how the agreement also clarifies the process for moving the signs and clears the subject of separation and distance between the signs. Steinkopf asked for clarification on the home business signs being kept on the first floor of the homes. He reiterated that he wanted to protect Eagle Mountain businesses. Ryan Ireland then indicated that the amendment doesn’t address the true need for businesses, which is to place signs off private property. This plan makes it difficult to give attention to the issue that should be addressed. Jackson expressed understanding to his concern and recapped that business owners have not come forward to ask for this yet. There could be a good long-term plan to get there, but for now this is a step in the right direction. Mayor Jackson conceded that it will take time, so she is hesitant not to be moving forward with what they have at this time. The vote is then taken (Ireland voted no, while all others voted yes) and the motion to accept carried. Concert proposal to have Chris Cagle perform for Pony Express Days. The contract for the artist was $20,000 including the booking agent fee among other necessary things. If approved, they would advertise tickets to be $7 each. The expected revenue for this event is about $21,000. In the past
they estimated higher in hopes of selling more, but this year they have become more realistic. Last year the total expenses were $79,479 and this year it is $39,707. The biggest difference in expenses is in the main artist and opening act, which were $55,000 and $2,100 last year, and this year only $20,000 and $1,700. Painter asks why they are only using $20,000 when they budgeted for $35,000. Angie Ferre responded it was because of the artists available at the time, and what they could get through the agencies. Mayor Jackson expounded upon this that they were looking for family friendly entertainment and many artists would not agree to this. Painter added his concern about the future of this tradition. Jackson inserted that community celebration is very important to Eagle Mountain. Painter granted that it makes a great place to live, but the taxes are going toward it and it is expensive. It is nice to have these celebrations, but we are pinching pennies and we need to weigh its importance in comparison to other things. Mayor Jackson expressed that the concert has been budgeted for and they are pinching pennies and making cuts for everything. Ireland added that it is important as we move forward to account for each individual event item in Pony Express Days so we can see the actual revenues for each individual event. Ferre added that the report will be put together and they will track the sponsorships individually. Burnham expressed her agreement that this will help to make better future decisions. Jackson explained that they would be making cuts and evaluating each event for Pony Express Days to find which is best to keep. Vote was then taken and all voted yes.
Please see SSCC NOTES on page 7
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SSCC NOTES Continued from page 5
tax revenue. Mayor Love pointed out that the property tax revenue did not even cover public safety costs. She said that this was evidence of the City Council’s fiscally conservative policies. We try our best to keep government costs off the backs of taxpayers, she concluded. Booth then continued his report, stating that department budgets were sound. Discussion of fire apparatus Fire Chief Campbell explained that over the last 2.5 years, Engine 261 had required over $67,000 in repairs. He also noted that a company that may soon go out of business built the truck, causing parts to become unavailable. The inadequate four-inch drum brakes were also a safety concern. Because of these concerns, Campbell suggested the time might soon come when the city would need to purchase a new fire engine. He asked that a ladder truck be considered. As such, Campbell had done some research on different truck styles, costs, and financing options and presented them to the City Council. Campbell had found a new apparatus from a more reliable manufacturer for $499,000. He also reported a financing option of paying it off over 15 years at a rate of four percent interest. He stated that Engine 261 could be sold for the remaining $90,000 owed on the loan. A new truck would be estimated to last 12 to 15 years.
Exp. 6/30/12. Exp. 6/30/12.
McOmber expressed frustration because the City Council had been told many months ago (before Campbell was hired) that Engine 261 was operational and that the city wouldn’t need a ladder truck for years to come. This information was issued when the City Council was considering joining the United Fire Authority in Salt Lake County. He lamented that now the city has sunk $67,000 into a “lemon” and to find funds to pay for a new apparatus. McOmber asked about the possibilities of sharing the cost of a ladder truck with other cities. He also suggested using the bulk buying power of the Utah County Metro. The City Council agreed to look further into possibly replacing Engine 261. Members were also going to seek out the finance committee’s opinion on the matter. Discussion of a remnant parcel on the Final Plat for The Cove at Jordan River, Phase 9. City staff reported that The Cove’s final plat contained a long strip of land that would not be built on. Total size is estimated to be about a half acre. The developer hoped to give the land to the city in exchange for waiving about $20,000 in fees. Staff thought the city could use the land for a walking path and for storm drain improvements. Mayor Love thought the request was reasonable, as the developer had been instructed not to build on the strip of land (UDOT had once proposed a road through the area). The meeting was then adjourned into a joint work session with the Planning Commission.
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