Representative Mike Kennedy presented an update on the legislative session. Worked on policy to honor fallen police officers at the request of Mayor Gygi. Medical marijuana continues to be a hot topic that will probably come up again in the next legislative session and there is a lot of good debate back and forth on the merits and concerns. Medicaid expansion is also a big topic. Rep Kennedy said when we expand we are making a long-term commitment without knowing how much it will cost in the future. Feels we need more info before we agree to expansion. I asked about the transportation tax that failed. Some local leaders stated it would come up again but have the money stay between the cities and counties with nothing going to UTA. I was interested in knowing if this really was moving forward. Rep Kennedy said he doesn't think the issue is dead but hasn't heard anyone say they are going to bring it up this next session. I asked about the connector road between Highland and Cedar Hills on USDC land. Senator Dayton is opposed to building that road, bisecting the property. He's working on trying to find a compromise to get this done.
Council Meeting
Public Comment
Ken Hansen - Expressed support for Council in decision made to allow alcohol sales at the Grill. He's pragmatic and seen the area grow. It's part of bringing in more revenue to the city. Alcohol being served at receptions.Supports the Council.
Ken Kirk - Concerned about comment made by CM Crawley in dissolving North Pointe Solid Waste District. Wants Council to do due diligence in researching what the option would do. NPSW provides services such as free passes to the dump as part of that membership. 473 residents have taken advantage of that just this year. Where would residents take those truckloads for free if we are no longer members? NPSW does a lot of good. Sponsor a hazard waste collection point. Feels withdrawal would not be good for the city. The earliest we could do it would be 2020. Feels Council should postpone until further research and be aware of what they do for us.
Ben Ellsworth - Thanked the Council for supporting Cameron's request to sell alcohol. In the long run in will be beneficial and allow us to control what is consumed on the golf course. Golfers won't be going to Walmart or Harts to purchase larger quantities of beer. Council did the right thing. Appreciates the Council for supporting Cameron.
Review/Action on Resolution Recognizing Spencer Kelley as a Cedar Hills Champion
From the Resolution: WHEREAS, the City of Cedar Hills wishes to fully recognize the heroic effort of rescuing his son Connor; and WHEREAS, Spencer’s brave and unselfish act demonstrated extreme bravery despite life threatening risk to himself; and WHEREAS, Spencer exemplifies the traits, abilities, and determination that set an example and inspire others in our community. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Cedar Hills, Utah, and on behalf of all residents, hereby proclaims that August 17, 2016, be recognized as “Cedar Hills Champion, Spencer Kelley Day.” With this, the City of Cedar Hills wishes to recognize and sincerely thank Mr. Kelley for his bravery, and the inspiration that he has provided to our community.
Consent Agenda
The minutes from the July 19, 2016 meeting were approved.
City Reports
David Bunker - TSSD board meeting is this week. ULCT is having fall conference in September. Flag football registration is occurring through next week. Golf is doing well this month. Numbers are down a little due to heat. Tot soccer registrations are now closed.
CM Zappala - LPPSD approved the budget for fire and EMS. Rates are going up slightly. One issue is canyon rescues. We spend money on equipment to provide those services but don't get reimbursed from the county. Will be discussing with County about getting some sort of compensation with LPPSD responds to canyon issue. Looking at current staffing levels and budget and if adjustments need to be made. Collecting bids and will have recommendations at next board meeting. Met with staff to discuss State of the City Report. Should be published by November 1st. Theme will be explaining what each department does for residents of the city. Wants to trim down the length of the report but will have links to additional resources.
Mayor Gygi - MAG had presentation on road utility fees, similar to what Provo is doing. We have schools and churches that are exempt from taxes but this fee would be assessed to them as well. Mr. Bunker will do some research.
CM Bailey - Arts committee meeting in September.
CM Geddes - UV Dispatch met and took tour of new facility. Should be ready by end of October.
CM Crawley - North Pointe Solid Waste met and are discussing the agenda item below. Mayor Gygi emphasized that Cedar Hills is not looking at withdrawing from the district. CM Crawley clarified that it is something he is researching, not the city.
Discussion on Skydrop Water Conservation System
There was a meeting between reps from Skydrop and members of the Counci (myself included). They are now presenting to the entire Council.
Skydrop is a smart controller. Runs on WiFi and weather reports. Owner installed something similar in his yard and found that he saved 50.6% of water the first month. Being used in California and seeing significant reduction. Ties in soil type, slope, shade, weather reports (updated by the hour), and it will determine when the system needs to come on. It will only water the areas that is needed, and when it's needed. Can be adjusted by phone. Most states have rebates for these controllers. Here in Utah there is a rebate program for the controllers. Has a patent pending program where a resident can give them data on number of zones they have, what days they water, and how often they water each station and the software can tell them how much water they are saving after the controller is installed based on data from the previous year.
Yucaipa County in California installed this controller as they've been mandated by the state to conserve a certain percentage of water. From December 2015 to now they've done about 2500 installs in this area. The pilot was successful and Skydrop users saved more than those not using the controller.
For another study in Los Angeles using Skydrop:
The suggestion from Skydrop for Cedar Hills is they are willing to give us the units for the same amount of the rebate that Central Utah Water will give the city. We would pay a $35 install fee, but would only get the cost of the device back in the rebate. Central Utah Water will reimburse immediately if it's purchased by the city. City can see all the data overall, doesn't need to access each device individually. Yucaipa has form that each resident fills out that says the county is giving the resident the device, but in return the county gets access to the data. They are currently in several cities in California, San Antonio is using it, so is a city in Ohio. Recommend if we do a pilot program that we do between 150-250 homes to get an accurate understanding of savings.
I'm interested in doing the pilot. My biggest concern is that we install meters and don't see a reduction in water usage. This is what happened in California, which is why they are installing smart controllers in addition to the water meters they already installed. Studies I've read are showing that meters aren't showing a ton of savings because water is still cheaper than replacing landscaping. If we can recognize water savings without spending $2 million on water meters then I'd prefer to do the smart controllers. CM Crawley expressed some concern with privacy as the city would be able to see how much and when residents water. CM Zappala asked that staff reach out to Central Utah Water to see if they will give us $100 rebate per unit or if there are any restrictions.
Discussion on Bayview Landfill
See notes from my last meeting for the first discussions. CM Crawley feels city should look at leaving and suggesting the district be dissolved. Feels the private industry can handle this. CM Zappala asked if there has been any research done on the pros and cons of joining NUERA. CM Crawley said yes and he will send us copies of it. Mr. Bunker stated his biggest concern is risk. There is a lot of risk and landfills are regulated by the EPA. Waste Mgmt said that Bountiful owns their own landfill and they've had several dump fires and been on notice by the EPA several times with new regulations that are implemented. If we join NUERA then we are part of owner of the landfill, and are also responsible for the liability.
