Minutes for 2002-06-11, Direct pdf link.
COMMISSION MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF WEBER COUNTY
Tuesday, June 11, 2002 - 4:30 p.m.
Commission Chambers, Weber Center, Ogden, Utah
In accordance with the requirements of Utah Code Annotated Section 52-4-7(1)(d), the County Clerk records in the minutes the names of all citizens who appear and speak at a County Commission meeting and the substance "in brief" of their comments. Such statements may include opinion or purported facts. The County does not verify the accuracy or truth of any statement but includes it as part of the record pursuant to state law.
Each Commission meeting is recorded on CD or audio tape, which is available to the public through the County Clerk's Office.
Commissioners Present: Vice Chair Kenneth A. Bischoff and Commissioner Camille T. Cain. Chair Glen H. Burton was excused. Vice Chair Bischoff conducted the meeting.
Others Present: David C. Wilson, Deputy County Attorney, Alan D. McEwan, Comptroller, Clerk/Auditor's Office. Fátima Blackford, Administrative Assistant, Clerk/Auditor's Office, took minutes.
A. Welcome by Vice Chair Bischoff.
B. Pledge of Allegiance was conducted by Fátima Blackford.
C. Thought of the Day was offered by Commissioner Cain.
D. Consent Items:
1. Purchase Orders in the amount of $79,058.03.
2. Warrants #163346 - #163601 in the amount of $625,569.33.
3. Minutes of meeting held on May 28, 2002.
4. New Business License Applications.
Commissioner Cain moved to approve the consent items; Commissioner Bischoff seconded, both voting aye.
E. Non-Action Items:
1. Presentation from UDOT on the I-15 Repair Project in the Ogden Area
Andy Neff, Public Involvement Coordinator for UDOT, presented this informational item on the I-15 rehabilitation project that will commence July 8. UDOT will be repairing the I-15 section between 31st Street in Ogden and 450 North in Marriott-Slaterville. It is about 35 years old and has deteriorated. Both north and south bound traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction through the end of September 2002. Significant traffic delays are expected. Mr. Neff identified alternate routes. Part of this project is to prepare for the project slated for the next 5-10 years to complete the reconstruction of I-15 between 31st Street in Ogden and 2700 North in Farr West.
F. Action Items:
1. Request for Approval of Tax Sale Extension Requests For:
a. Beverly & Orrin Hutchings-LSN# 17-079-0005, $7,710.03
b. Alice Gallardo-LSN# 08-050-0021, $1,000.24
c. Larry Heron-LSN #11-063-0009, $4,118.23Margarit Nersisian, Clerk/Auditor's Office, gave an overview of each request for a tax sale extension and of the contractual payment schedules. She recommended approving the extensions.
Commissioner Cain moved to approve the tax sale extensions as recommended; Commissioner Bischoff seconded, both voting aye.
2. Report on the Avon Divide Feasibility Study
Curtis Christensen, County Engineer, introduced the two parties-Brent Reynolds (Washington Infrastructure), Karen Wikstrom (Wikstrom Economic & Planning Consultants)-who have worked extensively on this State legislature-funded (about $100,000) study 2-3 years ago. The project is proposed to be conducted in different phases. Washington Infrastructure, which was contracted by Weber County to do this study, subcontracted with Wikstrom to do a needs analysis (the first phase of this project) to determine if anything should be done to improve the Weber County segment, and if so, what improvements would be warranted, and if the road was improved, what would be the likely economic impacts to the community served by the road. Ms. Wikstrom gave an in-depth presentation on this first phase pointing out that Ogden Valley and Cache Valley were connected via the Avon Divide route, consisting of about 13 miles, three of which are in Weber County. Most of the road is unimproved, is not maintained, and is closed to traffic during winter months. The 3-mile segment in Weber County covers steep terrain with tight switch-backs. Because of the nature of the soils and terrain, the road is difficult to grade, gravel, and maintain in its current condition. The consultants looked at the existing economics and demographics of the area to estimate future demand travel needs. Ms. Wikstrom said that there were some limitations to the study because there are no traffic counts. Their study was conducted from November through April, not a time of high usage, thus they used public involvement (from both counties) to estimate road usage. The findings were as follows: there is little current or projected demand for the road and no real travel time savings to justify significant improvements. There has been fairly strong public opposition to major improvements (by both counties), but minor improvements were favored. There is little economic benefit to the communities on either end of the road if it is improved, although there may be safety concerns that would warrant some limited improvements particularly to the Weber County portion (switch-backs, steep grades).
Ms. Wikstrom gave an estimate of current average daily trips and the projection for the year 2025, which could double. The consultant team generally used the upper reach of the estimated range of road usage to assure that demand was not understated. Assuming that the road was fully improved now with the same kinds of winter travel restrictions, the traffic could double but there still would be less than 300 trips/day on average. In 2025, if fully improved, traffic could possibly demand as much as 600 trips/day. Currently, people have alternative routes-Ogden Canyon or North Ogden Divide, up I-15 to U.S. 89 to make the loop from Ogden Valley to Cache Valley. Ms. Wikstrom stated that under no circumstances were they able to gain more than about five minutes travel time over the alternative routes. A shift of traffic demand coming from the traditional route between valleys via Ogden to this route is not anticipated. In the event, that this route did supplant the alternative route as the primary one, traffic could go up to 1600 trips/day. If construction and maintenance costs were compared to user cost savings, the construction costs (for full paving) are about $2.4 million over a 12 year period just for the 3-mile segment, and just to bring it to an improved gravel road status it would cost $2 million. The user cost savings over the 12-year period would be about $176,000, thus no compelling argument is apparent in user cost-savings to undertake that kind of an expenditure on the roadway.
Wikstrom received responses from 250 people and 97% of all involved in the public process were familiar with driving the road. The majority of the motorists used the road for dispersed recreational use (about 40%). 80% of people north of the Divide said that the road should not be improved for year-round service and 64% south of the divide said that it should. When asked if they would continue on their current route or change it if improved, 70% said they would continue on their current route and 65% south of the Divide said they would switch and use the Avon Divide Road. However, even using very broad assumptions, there are still not enough trips to justify the project. The affected communities' characteristics have essentially small populations with stable households with no specific large-scale traffic generators, and relatively small economies. While the populations will double by 2025 it is still not a considerable amount of people on both ends of the route. No severe land use impacts are expected because most of the properties that are directly accessed by the route are agricultural properties with plans to remain as agricultural use for the foreseeable future. Cache County also indicated a very strong desire to maintain its current zoning in the area, which precludes year-round housing and limits the densities to one unit per 40 acres. Commissioner Bischoff asked if there were any estimates for limited improvements and Mr. Reynolds said that the next phase in the process would address this and the county would be given a list of the types of improvements that can be done, costs, etc. In addition to the aforementioned road conditions, the fact that it is a narrow road will cause safety concerns during improvement installation. A current problem that the county is dealing with in trying to maintain that segment is that the rocks are very close to the surface and fairly intensive improvements will be needed to provide a smooth surface. Mr. Christensen iterated that in conversations with people, the demand for the road was not apparent. Because of the recent major expansion proposal for the Powder Mountain resort, Commissioner Bischoff emphasized that the Avon Divide road would not be the access for that development, it will be from Cache County, and no improvements to the Avon Divide are needed in relation to this proposed development. Ms. Wikstrom said that Powder Mountain would have a couple of access options and that an alternative alignment to the east of the Avon Divide would better fit the needs of that proposal; Cache County transportation planners, administrators and planners concur. She added that the Powder Mountain proposal representatives had only discussed wanting access to Cache County.
G. Public Hearing
Commissioner Cain moved to adjourn the public meeting and convene a public hearing; Commissioner Bischoff seconded, both voting aye.
1. Public Hearing to Amend the Ogden Valley General Plan by Adding the Ogden Valley Pathways Plan as a New Element of the General Plan
Craig Barker, County Planning Department Director, stated that prior to this hearing, the three Planning Commissions with jurisdictions in the Ogden Valley (Liberty/Nordic Valley, East Huntsville, Weber County) held public hearings. This is a concept plan and does not specify any commitment for the county. If it becomes part of the General Plan, it becomes an official statement of the county for its decision-making process. If adopted, staff would then work on developing the standards which would be presented at a later Commission meeting, and the county would be required to look at methods of financing the ongoing maintenance for the pathways, the methods by which the pathways would be owned, and who would maintain them. If the Commission adopts a guide for subdivisions, who would be responsible to maintain those trails and what about the existing developments where there are no pathways from subdivisions to commercial developments, schools, recreation areas, etc.? There may be a need to link these together. Mr. Barker indicated that the Planning Commissions strongly recommended that the Commission approve the plan-Weber County: 4-0; Liberty/Nordic Valley: 5-0; East Huntsville: 5-1. Because of the one negative vote, the East Huntsville Planning Commission wanted to express their reservation of that one vote and offered a minority opinion that it was recommended because that voter was desirous of seeing a privately funded mechanism for pathways in the Ogden Valley as opposed to a public method; the Planning Commissioners wanted it understood they did not oppose the pathways plan. Mr. Barker outlined some of the Planning Commissions' concerns, including who would have financial responsibility for maintenance, and that trail users might create trespass situations. The motion of the Liberty/Nordic Valley Planning Commission included that the right-of-way from Wolf Creek road to Rulon Jones' 160 acres be included, if the county retained a public easement over that property. The East Huntsville Planning Commission discussed creating a special improvement district in the Valley to help finance this. It was recommended that all utility corridors created in the future be used for pathways.
Geoff Ellis, Executive Director of Weber Pathways and Project Coordinator for the Ogden Valley Pathways, outlined the Ogden Valley pathways plan and the Pathway Master Plan Vision Statement. They believe that pathways enhance the quality of life for the Valley and would like to see a pathways network. Due to the increased development rate in the Ogden Valley, some places have become unsafe to ride a horse or bike and for walking, and pathway corridors must be secured now before the whole Valley is developed. Ogden Valley Pathways went through a public planning process. Three community workshops were held, essay contests, school programs and other events were offered. Overwhelmingly, the participants desire a network of safe, interconnected non-motorized pathways. Implementation of pathways could include a trail coordinator position at the county. Weber Pathways anticipates a continuing partnership with the county and with other governmental and private agencies. Funding could come from Federal and State funds, private grants and donations, in-kind donations, a special improvement district, etc. The plan proposes five pathway types: 1) unpaved trails, 2) bike paths, 3) side paths, 4) shared roadways and 5) bike lanes. One of the ways pathways could be created is in utility corridors. Maintenance would be public or, in most cases, maintained by the county. It is anticipated that most of these pathways would be left unplowed during winter months. Pathways would be developed only on public right-of-ways, as a replacement for the sidewalk requirement in new developments, or on land sold/granted by willing landowners.
Public Comments were invited and all those who spoke were in support of the concept. Comments were heard from the following: Sharon Holmstrom, who had recused herself from voting on the Weber County Planning Commission because of her involvement in this planning process, stated that Kay Salazar, representing the National Parks Service, Denver, was present and had a lot of information on pathways. Ms. Holmstrom said that their community had many transportation and safety needs that were very unique to the residents. She stated that it was plan of the residents, by the residents, however, it is not only for the residents because Ogden Valley is a huge regional recreational area and we need to plan for the future. Bill Clements, Vice President, Wasatch Front Back Country Horsemen of Utah, stated that they strongly support this proposal and feel there is a great need for it. Communities are getting very unsafe for children to ride bikes or horses and they don't have access to transportation as adults do. Ms. Salazar works with the "Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance" program and they were invited to assist Weber Pathways develop a pathway master plan. Ms. Salazar outlined the many benefits of a pathways system. The "Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance" program supports the plan and urges the Commission to adopt it into the Master Plan. Ben Toone, Eden resident, expressed his support stating that the pathways are a benefit to the blind people in the Valley. He wondered if tourism tax money was available for this. He prefers that funding come from private sources. Cindy Beger, Liberty/Nordic Valley Planning Commission, highly recommended adopting this plan into the Master Plan. She has lived in Nordic Valley for 21 years and has seen traffic increase significantly. People are also living more active life styles. Ed Radford, Chair of Ogden Valley Pathways, addressed funding, stating that they had a plan and were not turning it over to the county to handle the financing. He reiterated several of the different funding possibilities. Commissioner Bischoff stated his concern with the option for an improvement district because it would create a special taxing district. He pointed out the need to address who will take final responsibility for funding and who will handle maintenance. David Wilson, Deputy County Attorney, said that the plan was a guide and maintenance and funding issues can be addressed later. Adoption of the plan would put the public on notice that there is a plan. Commissioner Cain summarized that adopting the plan stated a philosophy that the Commission supported it and theoretically puts the county in a position to coordinate the efforts and to benefit those they serve. She agreed that funding issues were a sensitive part and needed to be discussed, and if the Commission approved this, the county would be the coordinator. She said that tourism tax money was not available.
Commissioner Cain moved to adjourn the public meeting and convene a public hearing; Commissioner Bischoff seconded, both voting aye.
3. Action on Public Hearing
Amending the Ogden Valley General Plan by Adding the Ogden Valley Pathways Plan
Further discussion ensued. This plan is a guide and is the first step in this process. The next step is for the Planning Department to prepare a resolution which will amend the Ogden Valley General Plan to add the Pathways Plan, which will be presented to the Commission. Commissioner Cain pointed out that there were only two commissioners present today, and in general this Commission has tried not to make major decisions without all three being present.
Commissioner Cain moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution amending the Ogden Valley General Plan by adding the Ogden Valley Pathways Plan; Commissioner Bischoff seconded, both voting aye.
H. Assign Pledge of Allegiance and Thought of the Day for Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.
I. Public Comments
Lane Jensen asked if the Commission has had much communication regarding Jim Hansen's proposed Shoshone Trail and Commissioner Bischoff responded that it had never come before the Commission, however, he had attended a meeting several months ago where a presentation had been made concerning it. The presentation was simply to see if Weber County would object to having them go forward and do a study. He stated that a very small part of the trail was in Weber County and he did not have any opposition to exploring it. Mr. Jensen's concern is that the small part crosses his family's property, which is adjacent to the Avon-Liberty road, for about 2