Minutes for 2003-03-25, Direct pdf link.

1. Welcome by Chair Bischoff
   
   
2. Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by Margarit Nersisian
   
   
3. Thought of the Day was offered by Commissioner Bischoff
   
   
4. Consent Items
   
   
   1. Purchase Orders in the amount of $406,593.58
   2. Warrants #173979 - #174255 in the amount of $1,144,271.22
   3. Minutes of meetings held on March 11 and March 18, 2003
   4. Request by the Department of Operations to surplus a Polaris 4 Wheeler w/ Snow Plow Commissioner Cain moved to approve the consent items, but to hold warrant #174125 in the amount of $55.76 until the related policy is reviewed; Commissioner Burton seconded, all voting aye.
   
   
5. Non-Action Items
   1. Forest Service Information Update
      Chip Sibbernsen, Forest Service, District Ranger, introduced himself to the Commission and outlined some of the projects the Forest Service is working on for the upcoming summer. The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is in the process of completing its 4-year effort to revise the forest plan. The County Commission will be receiving copies of the final plan, which guides activities on the National Forest for the next 10-15 years. Mr. Sibbernsen gave an overview of the process for public review and comment period and implementation of the plan by the Forest Service. He outlined the six key points of the plan, including delineating management areas and associated management prescriptions (similar to a zoning approach) and recommending to Congress areas that are felt appropriate for their consideration for wilderness. There is a 14,000 acre parcel north of Causey Reservoir that the Forest Service is recommending for wilderness designation.
      
      Mr. Sibbernsen mentioned the upcoming fire season pointing out that the snowpack was below average, at 60% below normal, and the result was that the lighter fuels were starting to dry out. He gave an overview of the Forest Service's mitigation efforts including local and national resources. Other projects that are almost complete included construction of the Monte Cristo electronic site and the Weber River coordinated weed management area. The latter deals with treatment of noxious weeds and is an effort involving five different counties, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Division of Wildlife Resources, the Utah State Parks & Recreation. He addressed the commissioners' questions, including how to integrate the county's plan in progress with the Forest Service's plan.
   
   
6. Action Items
   1. Resolution Proclaiming March 29, 2003 as "Scouting for Food Day" in Weber County, Utah
      
      Alan Endicott, Trappers Trails Boy Scout Council, stated that the three Boy Scout Councils in Utah were working together to have a state-wide effort. Last year the council collected over 1,000,000 pounds of donated food that was distributed to local food banks. Chair Bischoff read the resolution wherein the Commission strongly encouraged all citizens to contribute generously. The county has provided trucks in the past for this effort and the Boy Scout Councils would very much appreciate the support this year.
      
      
      Commissioner Burton moved to adopt Resolution 19-2003 proclaiming March 29, 2003 as "Scouting for Food Day" in Weber County, Utah; Commissioner Cain seconded.
      
      Roll Call Vote
      Commissioner Cain. . .aye
      Commissioner Burton. . .aye
      Chair Bischoff. . .aye
      
      
   2. Request for Approval of Tax Relief Policy - Policy 12.5
      This item was held.
      
      
   3. Master Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement and Related Documents for the Weber County Fleet Vehicle Program - Contract C2003-60
      
      Dan Olsen, County Comptroller, stated that the fleet program agreement was with a new finance company, Koch Financial, which was the low bidder. This year 95 vehicles will be purchased and 87 of these will be financed. Mr. Olsen referred to the letter from Koch's Director that outlined some terms not specifically outlined in the formal agreement: there will be no prepayment penalty and the county will hold title to the vehicles. An escrow account will be used for this financing, which is in the total amount of $2,210,333, the fixed interest rate is 2.61% and the term is three years.
      
      
      Commissioner Burton moved to approve Contract C2003-60, Master Equipment Lease/Purchase Agreement and related documents for the Weber County fleet vehicle program; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   4. Request for Refund of Taxes Collected in Current Year on Mobile Home or Business:
      
      

      Name	Tax Unit	Amount	Reason
      Dr. Alton H. Wagnon	24	369.44	Paid on estimated market value
      Kimberly Clark	17	12,426.86	Calculated taxes on cost new rather than market value
      Harrison Regent	25	2673.66	Paid twice on same account
      HCH	24	4516.30	Addition error
      GSC Foundry c/o Joe Greenland	145	522.77	Addition error

      
      Julie Argyle, Assessor's Office, presented this item.
      Commissioner Cain moved to approve the request for refund of taxes collected in current year on businesses as requested; Commissioner Burton seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   5. Setting Date for Second Public Hearing on Community Development Block Grant Project for Catholic Community Services
      
      Dennis Richardson, County Engineering, presented this item and the next one. Second public hearings will be held to discuss the projects that WACOG determined would proceed with a full application for the 2003-2004 CDBG small cities program. This item relates to an emergency re-roofing project for the Catholic Community Services facility. Comments will be solicited on project scope, implementation, and its effects on residents.
      
      
      Commissioner Cain moved to set April 8, 2003 as the date for the second public hearing for the Community Development Block Grant project for the Catholic Community Services; Commissioner Burton seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   6. Setting Date for Second Public Hearing for 2003 - 2004 CDBG Projects for Weber County ADA, Enable Industries, Family Summit Foundation, and Your Community Connection
      
      Dennis Richardson, County Engineering, stated that the CDBG process requires a second public hearing for these projects that include ADA improvements at various Weber County facilities, operations support for the Family Summit Foundation Social Service Program, Your Community Connection Senior Life Care Program, and Enable Industries remodel of donated facility. Comments will be solicited on project scope, implementation, and the effects on residents.
      
      
      Commissioner Burton moved to set April 8, 2003 as the date for the second public hearing for 2003 - 2004 CDBG projects for Weber County ADA, Enable Industries, Family Summit Foundation, and Your Community Connection; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   7. Contract Between Weber County and Xerox Corporation for a New Copy Machine for the Sheriff's Complex - Contract C2003-61
      
      Lisa Panter, Sheriff's Department, presented this item to replace a copier in the Sheriff's Complex. The contract is in the amount of $13,825.
      
      
      Commissioner Cain moved to approve Contract C2003-61 between Weber County and Xerox Corporation for a new copy machine for the Sheriff's Complex; Commissioner Burton seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   8. Contract Between Weber County, Spikers High School Rodeo, & the Piute High School Rodeo for a Rodeo to be Held April 4-5, 2003 at the Golden Spike Event Center - Contract C2003-62
      
      Jim Harvey, GSEC, gave an overview of this standard contract for a rodeo to be held at the GSEC.
      
      
      Commissioner Burton moved to approve Contract C2003-62 between Weber County, Spikers High School Rodeo, and the Piute High School Rodeo for a rodeo to be held April 4 and 5, 2003 at the Golden Spike Event Center; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
      
      
   9. Ordinance of Weber County, Utah, Amending the Fire Code by Revising Appendix A and B - Ordinance 2003-4
      
      There had been a request to review the fire code to see if there was a way to ease the burden placed on home builders regarding adding fire sprinkling systems to residences. Ted Black, Fire Marshall, said that a solution was found by the Fire District's purchase of an additional piece of equipment, a water tender, which would haul water to a fire scene. He outlined the modifications to this ordinance. Currently, the total floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls of a home (including the garage) and under the horizontal projections of the roof is used in calculating fire flow. The wording "and under the horizontal projections of the roof" will be deleted. This removes the requirement to calculate the square footage of the garage, covered patios, etc. in the calculation to determine fire flow. The Fire Marshall stated that fire fighting personnel, across the nation, rarely have loss of life from a fire that starts in the garage and travels into the house and applicable wording will be deleted under Section B104.2, Area Separation. The Fire District recommended amending the ordinance by increasing the square footage from the current 3600 to 5000 sq. ft. He explained that the Fire District was utilizing the Code as adopted to justify increasing the square footage. Group "U" occupancies (i.e., barns, radio towers) are to be deleted from Section B105, Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings. Section B105.1.1 clarifies that when water mains or other fixed systems capable of supplying fire hydrants are available, fire hydrants are to be installed as per Appendix C and Section 508. Additionally, Section A101 simplifies that the Weber Fire District Board of Trustees is now designated as the Board of Appeals.
      
      
      Commissioner Burton felt that these modifications would help clarify a lot of issues. He has put out a request for a tanker for the Fire District from agencies that have surplus programs. Commissioner Cain said that she had received notification of a large amount of money that the Federal Government had just made available to local fire agencies for equipment needed for first responder initiatives. The Fire Marshall stated that at some point water issues in Weber County would have to be addressed. Commissioner Burton moved to adopt Ordinance 2003-4, an ordinance of Weber County, Utah, amending the Fire Code by revising Appendix A and B; Commissioner Cain seconded.
      
      Roll Call Vote
      Commissioner Cain. . .aye
      Commissioner Burton. . .aye
      Chair Bischoff. . .aye
      
      
   10. Request for Approval of a New Escrow for $47,875 to Complete the Remaining Landscaping in Sheep Creek Subdivision, Phase 1
       
       Jim Gentry, County Planning Department, stated that a new developer had taken over the Sheep Creek cluster Subdivision in the Ogden Valley. The only improvement remaining to be installed on this phase is landscaping. The funds have been deposited into the Engineering Escrow Account.
       
       
       Commissioner Burton moved to grant approval of a new escrow for $47,875 to complete the remaining landscaping in Sheep Creek Subdivision, Phase 1; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
       
       
   11. Request for Final Approval of Kunzler Subdivision, 1 Lot at 6262 South 2125 East
       
       Jim Gentry, County Planning Department, showed an area map. He said that this 1-lot subdivision in the Uintah bench area consisted of approximately 3.38 acres. A Geotechnical/geological study was conducted on the property and this was reviewed by the Utah Geological Survey (UGS). The commissioners had received a copy of that review by the State and a copy of the response from the geotechnical engineer. Mr. Gentry stated that the geologist who performed the study was present at today's meeting to address the Commission's questions. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of this item. Commissioner Cain pointed out that the UGS had suggested further study and the geotechnical engineering firm that had conducted the study disagreed that additional studies were needed. She was concerned with liability if the Commission approved the subdivision under those circumstances. Monette Hurtado, Deputy County Attorney, and Mr. Gentry, stated that the geotechnical engineer had signed the documents and as a professional, took that responsibility.
       
       
       Commissioner Cain moved to grant final approval of Kunzler Subdivision, 1 lot located at 6262 South 2125 East; Commissioner Burton seconded, all voting aye.
       
       
   12. Approval of a Site Plan Development Agreement to Guarantee the Construction of a 449,000 Gallon Culinary Water Reservoir, Originally Approved as a 275,000 Gallon Reservoir. The Agreement Includes a Letter of Credit for $276,000, Which Includes a 10% Contingency Fee
       
       Jim Gentry, County Planning Department, stated that this financial guarantee was for a new water reservoir for the Ski Lake development in Ogden Valley. Mr. Gentry addressed Commissioner Cain's questions including whether the petitioner had received approval for the increased density required for the increased capacity. He stated that the petitioner had received preliminary approval on his projects and was asking for final approval and at this point needed to increase the water capacity. Mr. Gentry indicated that the petitioner needed additional storage capacity for culinary and fire protection to serve the additional units.
       
       
       Commissioner Burton moved to grant approval of a Site Plan Development Agreement to guarantee the construction of a 449,000 gallon culinary water reservoir, originally approved as a 275,000 gallon reservoir. The agreement includes a letter of credit for $276,000, which includes a 10% contingency fee; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
       
       
   13. Assign the Pledge of Allegiance and Thought of the Day for Tuesday, April 1, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.
       
       
   14. Public Comments
       
       Kirk Langford, Open Space Committee Leader, Eden Planning Committee, stated he had been asked to come read a request regarding the 160 acres of Wolf Creek public open land at the top of the Wolf Creek Drainage that had been sold, then subsequently involved in litigation, and which was back in the county's name. The letter was prompted by the overwhelming majority of Ogden Valley residents who approached the Committee requesting that the County Commissioners place this parcel into a land trust that would keep the land an open natural space accessible for public use. The letter pointed out that as population increases, public open mountain space that connects valley pathways and trails will become less available. It stated that even though said parcel did not currently have a high financial value, it is unique open space and valuable to residents of Weber County and Ogden Valley. It could provide a unique ridge-line trail connection from the valley floor through existing planned Ogden Valley pathways extending throughout the various Wolf Creek housing developments and, ultimately in the future, a ridge-line trail system could connect westward to the county's North Fork Park, northwards into Cache County and east towards the old mining town of La Platt and beyond.
       
       Chair Bischoff thanked Mr. Langford for his presentation and referred him to the Public Lands Advisory Council, which reviews these types of land uses and suggestions. Commissioner Burton outlined some issues that needed to be reviewed (i.e., the right-of-way legal description). He referred to the county's Purchasing Ordinance that outlines property disposal procedures and gave Mr. Langford a copy because the Committee had not read it. He requested that the Council physically visit this property to actually see the steepness of the terrain.
       
       Dick Manley, Eden Valley Planning Committee, addressed the potential trails mentioned by Mr. Langford above. One of the Committee's concerns was tying in the trail coming from Wolf Creek before that opportunity was lost. He said that they were considering a "Friends of Trails" program similar to the "Friends of Highways" to get volunteer support. On another issue, Mr. Manley said that an individual who was trying to construct a modest house with a water well had been informed that he would have to put sprinklers in the home because the well did not provide sufficient water in case of a fire. He pointed out that the Fire Department typically does not have access to wells and that there were hundreds of homes in the Ogden Valley on wells. Mr. Manley asked for clarification on this and whether all homes on wells would have to put in sprinkling systems. Commissioner Burton had previously held a discussion with the Fire Chief and had been told that wells can supply a sprinkling system. He suggested contacting the Fire District to get clarification on some of the questions.
       
       Sylvia Randall asked questions regarding item F.9. (Fire Code) if appellants would now appear before the Fire Board and when the new ordinance would take effect. The Commission and Monette Hurtado, Deputy County Attorney, addressed her questions. She thanked the commissioners for the work that had been done on the Fire Code ordinance.
       
       
   15. Adjourn
       Commissioner Burton moved to adjourn at 11:23 a.m.; Commissioner Cain seconded, all voting aye.
   
   KENNETH A. BISCHOFF, CHAIR
   WEBER COUNTY COMMISSION
   
   LINDA G. LUNCEFORD, CPO
   WEBER COUNTY CLERK/AUDITOR