Here is my version of Budget Approval meeting at City Hall. I got a chance to speak at the public hearing comments and the city was very accommodating at answering all of my questions.
Amy: I brought up the admin. fee. The cost of $100,000 is excessive and that is about the salary of two full time employees. I understand its a fixed rate of 15% but why not charge it off the actual expenses we incur and not off the revenue. For example this ending fiscal year our expenses were down and we ended up with about an extra $246,000 put into reserves. Why should we have to pay an admin fee to handle the money going into reserves? That would save us about $36,000 if we paid admin fee off the expenses instead of revenue.
City Manager: The percentage is off revenue. Besides you will eventually spend all that money in reserves so it would work the same in the end.
Amy's Thoughts: So we just paid how much in admin fee for the snow blower and stop signs?
Amy: Is is legal that we should be paying benefits to employees that work seasonal for us? (This discussion was answered by several people and I kept saying I understand the salary part, but why should suncrest pay full benefits when those employees work for city too.)
City: Your getting a deal paying for only 3 lower paid salaries. With that comes paying the benefits. We can't just fire and hire people every year. Besides sometimes your getting more help and more experienced and its not always the same people. The salaries equal man hours they put in for SunCrest. So if your paying full time salaries its the law you must pay their benefits too.
Amy's thoughts: I guess what they mean to say is like a school teacher. Paid full time with benefits but gets summer off. Still stupid reasoning because its still only about 30 days out of 365!
Amy: I want verification that the city won't touch our reserve balance and use it toward the SunCrest Fire Station.
City: Right now we don't plan on using it but we haven't really finished discussing the Fire Station issue yet.
City Manager: The reserve funds are to be saved up and used for such things as a salt dome or maintenance facility. If the road issues aren't taken care of it may need to be used to repair some roads. Until we get a new developer up there we don't know how those funds will be spent.
Summerhays: We can use that money for the fire station. I read it in the contract. It states right in the contract we can make you pay for the fire station.
Amy Thoughts: Ah, when is Summerhayes up for re election?
Amy: What happened to the TRSSD committee idea I presented to the council. I have never heard anything else about it. Is that still up for discussion.
Mayor: That really isn't a budget item to talk about.
City Manager: Its still up for discussion as far as I know.
Amy: I want to know if that is a final decision made about the making TRSSD paying for the stop signs? Because those of us that live in SunCrest ALL know those stop signs are there, even in fog. We go through them everyday. Its the non-residents that run the stop signs because they don't see them. So why should SunCrest have to pay for signs that non-residents don't see.
City: Yes, that was decided by unanimous vote by the council to charge the full amount of the signs to the TRSSD. At the time the residents wanted the sign it was said because of fog and weather conditions the sign was needed.
Summerhays: Of course you should pay for the signs. I have lived in high altitudes and even higher than SunCrest. I know what kind of weather you get. Think about that little bit of cost you just paid saved a life.
Amy Thoughs: I think everyone feels the same way as me.
Amy: What happened to the open house you were going to hold for SunCrest residents. Do you still plan on doing this. I can offer my help on planning it.
City: Yes, we still want to do one, maybe in July or August. We just had to get through this budget month.
My comments where finished and Bill Colbert had a comment. He was via phone.
Bill: I think the council should look into privately contracting out the work and see if its cost beneficial.
Summerhays: They already did that once and it didn't work out.
City: It has never been outsource in SunCrest.
Summerhays: Well I mean that Zions contracted it out and we got all kinds of complaints from residents about the crappy work they did and we had to send our guys up to fix it.
Amy Thoughts: Really, hmm, because the city won't set a foot on zions property. Besides it was more like western was plowing the city streets to get through to the ones they had to plow.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
TRSSD Budget approval
Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 6:50pm (starts Before normal city council meeting)
Draper City Council Chambers
Public Hearing: Consideratoin of Resolution TRSSD No. 10-02, Adopting the Traverse Ridget Special Service District Budget and Certified Tax Rate for Fiscal yar 2010-2011.
Now is the time to show up and voice any concerns you have about the budget. I found out that at the council meeting on June 15th, it was decided by Stenquist, Walker, and Summerhayes to apply all of the $24,000 costs of the Stop signs to TRSSD because of our climate conditions. If we as residents continue to just sit back and not voice our concerns about the TRSSD the council members will just continue to tax us more!
On June 1st, I approached the city council during the public comments and presented again the idea of having a TRSSD committee board. I gave each of the council members a copy of the letter posted below. I am trying my best to get us some representation but I need the help of you, the residents to show the council you want to be involved in this special tax SunCrest residents have to pay each year. Please take 15 minutes of your time Tuesday night to the council members to show you have a voice and care about SunCrest.
Amy Baird
Letter to Draper City Council:
TRSSD Advisory Committee
Purpose of Advisory Committee is to work with the TRSSD Board and the Draper City Finance Director to review the TRSSD budget and the financials. Upon request from the TRSSD Board the Committee will research issues as needed. Research could be done on major purchases of the TRSSD and finding cost effective ways to use the TRSSD funds, such as snow plowing. The Committee will send all their recommendations to the TRSSD Board.
The Committee will have 3 to 5 members. The committee members must reside in the TRSSD district. The Committee members shall be on a volunteer basis. The Committee chair, appointed by the TRSSD board, shall recommend Committee Members. Committee member terms will normally be for one year. Members may serve two or more years based on experience, requirements, as decided by the TRSSD board of Directors. The TRSSD Board of Directors shall approve the Committee annually. The Committee shall serve under the direction of the TRSSD Board of Directors.
The Committee will meet once a month or as often as necessary. A copy of all the Committee Minutes will be sent to the TRSSD Board in a timely manner.
Reasons the Committee would be beneficial to the TRSSD:
• Give SunCrest residents an opportunity to be involved with the TRSSD tax.
• Once the city takes over the rest of the roads in SunCrest the tax could increase.
• Lots of creative and educated residents that could help find a solution to simplifying Danyce’s complicated tracking system of the snow plow drivers. Therefore reducing the administrative costs associated with TRSSD.
• We could find ways to benefit the TRSSD and city. The portable LED light could be rented or the city buys a portion so it can be used in summer months. Rent snow blower in lower draper.
• The city council members would be the main contact to the residents. The committee would just research and advise on budget issues.
• Research what is most cost effective and reliable on snow removal.
Draper City Council Chambers
Public Hearing: Consideratoin of Resolution TRSSD No. 10-02, Adopting the Traverse Ridget Special Service District Budget and Certified Tax Rate for Fiscal yar 2010-2011.
Now is the time to show up and voice any concerns you have about the budget. I found out that at the council meeting on June 15th, it was decided by Stenquist, Walker, and Summerhayes to apply all of the $24,000 costs of the Stop signs to TRSSD because of our climate conditions. If we as residents continue to just sit back and not voice our concerns about the TRSSD the council members will just continue to tax us more!
On June 1st, I approached the city council during the public comments and presented again the idea of having a TRSSD committee board. I gave each of the council members a copy of the letter posted below. I am trying my best to get us some representation but I need the help of you, the residents to show the council you want to be involved in this special tax SunCrest residents have to pay each year. Please take 15 minutes of your time Tuesday night to the council members to show you have a voice and care about SunCrest.
Amy Baird
Letter to Draper City Council:
TRSSD Advisory Committee
Purpose of Advisory Committee is to work with the TRSSD Board and the Draper City Finance Director to review the TRSSD budget and the financials. Upon request from the TRSSD Board the Committee will research issues as needed. Research could be done on major purchases of the TRSSD and finding cost effective ways to use the TRSSD funds, such as snow plowing. The Committee will send all their recommendations to the TRSSD Board.
The Committee will have 3 to 5 members. The committee members must reside in the TRSSD district. The Committee members shall be on a volunteer basis. The Committee chair, appointed by the TRSSD board, shall recommend Committee Members. Committee member terms will normally be for one year. Members may serve two or more years based on experience, requirements, as decided by the TRSSD board of Directors. The TRSSD Board of Directors shall approve the Committee annually. The Committee shall serve under the direction of the TRSSD Board of Directors.
The Committee will meet once a month or as often as necessary. A copy of all the Committee Minutes will be sent to the TRSSD Board in a timely manner.
Reasons the Committee would be beneficial to the TRSSD:
• Give SunCrest residents an opportunity to be involved with the TRSSD tax.
• Once the city takes over the rest of the roads in SunCrest the tax could increase.
• Lots of creative and educated residents that could help find a solution to simplifying Danyce’s complicated tracking system of the snow plow drivers. Therefore reducing the administrative costs associated with TRSSD.
• We could find ways to benefit the TRSSD and city. The portable LED light could be rented or the city buys a portion so it can be used in summer months. Rent snow blower in lower draper.
• The city council members would be the main contact to the residents. The committee would just research and advise on budget issues.
• Research what is most cost effective and reliable on snow removal.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Primary Election on Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010
UTAH COUNTY:
Utah County SunCrest residents, be sure to vote this Tuesday at Ridgeline Elementary located at the bottom of the south side of the mountain.
Polls are open from 7am to 8pm and don't forget your photo ID or you will have to haul back up the mountain to get it.
6250 W 11800 N Highland, UT 84003
SALT LAKE COUNTY:
SL County SunCrest residents vote at the SunCrest Info Center.
Polls are open 7am and 8pm and don't forget the photo ID. You will be voting for various Primary race candidates and also on the Canyons District Bond.
If you don't know which county you're in, find your polling location here. More questions? Look here.
Most importantly, take the time to exercise your right to vote!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
June Calendar for SunCrest
Movies in the Park
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join your neighbors and friends at the Village Green Park (2021 E Village Green Circle) for Movies in the Park! Concessions will be available for purchase at both movies. Free to attend!
Friday, June 11 Dusk (9:00-9:15pm)
Monsters Vs. Aliens
When a meteorite from outer space hits a young girl and douses her with the alien liquid Quantonium it turns her into a 48-foot monster. She is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years. This crew of reluctant heroes is asked to save the earth from the evil alien Gallaxhar in this animated comedy.
Friday, June 18 Dusk (9:00-9:15pm)
Back to the Future
1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported back in time to 1955 where he accidentally changes the course of history through a series of comic misadventures and finds he must return things to the way they were, back to the future.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday, June 19 8:00am-1:00pm Free to participate
Location: SunCrest Community/Village Green Park 2021 E. Village Green Circle
Time to clean out the closets and get ready for the Community Garage Sale! This year residents can sell their items at the Village Green Park free of charge. This sale is open to the public and selling your items in the Village Green Park makes for convenient one-stop shopping… and may even increase the amount you sell. Each booth is 10’ x 10’ in size. Tables must be provided by the seller. If you are interested in selling at the park, please contact SunCrest Owners Association at cpappas@ccmcnet.com or call us at 801-572-1233. If you would like to sell at your home, directional signs are permitted to be set out the night before and must be cleaned up the following day. The Owners Association will be advertising the sale in the Deseret News, Draper Journal and online to help increase the volume of shoppers. The newspaper ads will run the week before the sale. Big Brothers and Big Sisters will be on site and accepting any items you would like to donate after the sale. Donations can be dropped off at the Community Center parking lot from 12:30-2:00pm. Only gently-used items please. Please be sure donation items are boxed or bagged.
Concert in the ParkFriday, June 25 7:00-9:00pm Free to attend
Location: Village Green Park 2021 E. Village Green Circle
Summer is here and it’s time to come out and enjoy a beautiful summer evening in the Village Green Park watching local SunCrest band Joe Friday perform. Bring a picnic and a neighbor and be sure not to miss out on the first concert of the summer! There will be concession available for purchase.
SunCrest Scene Email Updates
Looking for a way to keep informed on what is happening in SunCrest? Sign up to receive weekly emails from SuCrest Owners Association. This email contains updates on upcoming SunCrest events, Association news and community information. Stay connected and sign up to receive the SunCrest Scene today! Send your email address to Claudia at cpappas@ccmcnet.com.
Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join your neighbors and friends at the Village Green Park (2021 E Village Green Circle) for Movies in the Park! Concessions will be available for purchase at both movies. Free to attend!
Friday, June 11 Dusk (9:00-9:15pm)
Monsters Vs. Aliens
When a meteorite from outer space hits a young girl and douses her with the alien liquid Quantonium it turns her into a 48-foot monster. She is taken to a secret government compound where she meets a ragtag group of monsters also rounded up over the years. This crew of reluctant heroes is asked to save the earth from the evil alien Gallaxhar in this animated comedy.
Friday, June 18 Dusk (9:00-9:15pm)
Back to the Future
1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported back in time to 1955 where he accidentally changes the course of history through a series of comic misadventures and finds he must return things to the way they were, back to the future.
Community Garage Sale
Saturday, June 19 8:00am-1:00pm Free to participate
Location: SunCrest Community/Village Green Park 2021 E. Village Green Circle
Time to clean out the closets and get ready for the Community Garage Sale! This year residents can sell their items at the Village Green Park free of charge. This sale is open to the public and selling your items in the Village Green Park makes for convenient one-stop shopping… and may even increase the amount you sell. Each booth is 10’ x 10’ in size. Tables must be provided by the seller. If you are interested in selling at the park, please contact SunCrest Owners Association at cpappas@ccmcnet.com or call us at 801-572-1233. If you would like to sell at your home, directional signs are permitted to be set out the night before and must be cleaned up the following day. The Owners Association will be advertising the sale in the Deseret News, Draper Journal and online to help increase the volume of shoppers. The newspaper ads will run the week before the sale. Big Brothers and Big Sisters will be on site and accepting any items you would like to donate after the sale. Donations can be dropped off at the Community Center parking lot from 12:30-2:00pm. Only gently-used items please. Please be sure donation items are boxed or bagged.
Concert in the ParkFriday, June 25 7:00-9:00pm Free to attend
Location: Village Green Park 2021 E. Village Green Circle
Summer is here and it’s time to come out and enjoy a beautiful summer evening in the Village Green Park watching local SunCrest band Joe Friday perform. Bring a picnic and a neighbor and be sure not to miss out on the first concert of the summer! There will be concession available for purchase.
SunCrest Scene Email Updates
Looking for a way to keep informed on what is happening in SunCrest? Sign up to receive weekly emails from SuCrest Owners Association. This email contains updates on upcoming SunCrest events, Association news and community information. Stay connected and sign up to receive the SunCrest Scene today! Send your email address to Claudia at cpappas@ccmcnet.com.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
SunCrest Annual Meeting
Wednesday, June 2
6:00pm
Draper City Council Chambers (1020 E. Pioneer Road, 12400 S.)
Celebrate all things “SunCrest” at this year’s Annual Meeting! Community Manager Tod Bean will review last year’s accomplishments and present this year’s goals. His presentation will include a pictorial history of our community events and gatherings. We will also be electing a new resident Board member to act as the voice of our community for the next two years. To help celebrate, we will be giving away several door prizes and gift certificates to a few lucky winners. Giveaways include donations from Smash Burger, Joy Luck Restaurant, Genie Green Lawn Care, golf passes and much more! We can’t celebrate SunCrest without its members, so mark your calendar and don’t miss this great event!
6:00pm
Draper City Council Chambers (1020 E. Pioneer Road, 12400 S.)
Celebrate all things “SunCrest” at this year’s Annual Meeting! Community Manager Tod Bean will review last year’s accomplishments and present this year’s goals. His presentation will include a pictorial history of our community events and gatherings. We will also be electing a new resident Board member to act as the voice of our community for the next two years. To help celebrate, we will be giving away several door prizes and gift certificates to a few lucky winners. Giveaways include donations from Smash Burger, Joy Luck Restaurant, Genie Green Lawn Care, golf passes and much more! We can’t celebrate SunCrest without its members, so mark your calendar and don’t miss this great event!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
SunCrest Meet the Candidates Night
Meet the Candidates Night
Wednesday, May 19
6:00pm
SunCrest Information Center (2021 E. Village Green Circle)
Please attend Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, May 19th at 6:00 pm at the Information Center. This meeting will be conducted by the Board appointed Nominating Committee to “interview” homeowner board candidates for the open seat. We have four residents running for the one and only SunCrest resident open seat. They are as follows:
W. Robert Lewenkron-Eagle Crest
Amy Baird-The cove at Oak Vista
Gabriella McFarland-Oak Vista
Paul Tonks-Eagle Crest
As this may be the only chance to get to know those interested in running, it is vital that you attend! If you don't know who your voting member is then speak to Tod Bean. Because you will want to tell the voting member representing your vote, who you like or don't like.
Wednesday, May 19
6:00pm
SunCrest Information Center (2021 E. Village Green Circle)
Please attend Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, May 19th at 6:00 pm at the Information Center. This meeting will be conducted by the Board appointed Nominating Committee to “interview” homeowner board candidates for the open seat. We have four residents running for the one and only SunCrest resident open seat. They are as follows:
W. Robert Lewenkron-Eagle Crest
Amy Baird-The cove at Oak Vista
Gabriella McFarland-Oak Vista
Paul Tonks-Eagle Crest
As this may be the only chance to get to know those interested in running, it is vital that you attend! If you don't know who your voting member is then speak to Tod Bean. Because you will want to tell the voting member representing your vote, who you like or don't like.
Monday, May 17, 2010
TRSSD Advisory Board discussion at Draper City Hall
TRSSD (Traverse Ridge Special Services District)
We need your voices heard at the City Council meeting.
Where: Draper City Hall
When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time: 7:45 Citizen Comments can be given. Three minutes per person allowed. (We can ask at this time if public comments can be given during the actual discussion or should we speak now)
Time: 8:45 Discussion: Creation of TRSSD Advisory Board
What we need: Take a few minutes of your time to voice your opinion on why we should have an advisory board made of SunCrest residents or/and a SunCrest resident as a voting member of the TRSSD.
I have included your reading pleasure, the approved and not yet approved city council meeting minutes concerning SunCrest or TRSSD funds. This is word for word out of the meeting minutes I got off the Draper City website. This will give you a general idea of how the city and council members feel about the TRSSD. This is also brings up discussions of the SunCrest fire station and SunCrest road repair.
Sincerely,
Amy Baird
SunCrest resident
April 13, 2010 City Council APPROVED minutes
Amy Baird requested the council consider options for the TRSSD, including an advisory board consisting of Suncrest residents. The council suggested scheduling a council meeting at a Suncrest station.
Layne Long said the proposed budget is the same document as has been considered adopted during the last two years because the budget has been cut to the bare bones. This document will paint the big picture as to the status of the revenue and expenditures. One component is the special services district. He reviewed the history of the Suncrest fire service and said it is the biggest part of the cost to support the development. He reviewed the master development agreement, noting that the additional cost of the services was anticipated from the beginning. According to the assumptions, the cost of the fire station should be supported when Suncrest is built out. Differential costs are to be covered by the special service district until build out. Mr. Long said the assumptions were wrong to begin with. He then reviewed the creation of the special services district. He noted the creation of fire and EMS district had been discussed but that the district was not created. The TRSSD district which was created does not cover costs for fire services.
Mr. Long said Danyce Steck had calculated figures , based on the development agreement, to show the percentage of tax dollars that goes to the fire protection. The calculation is about $.57 per dollar of property tax collected. If that amount were applied toward the special district, it would be $225,703. Subtracting that amount from the cost of operating the fire station at SunCrest, the city is subsidizing $625,00 every year for the operation of the station. Councilmember Colbert noted that property taxes are not the only revenue. Mr. Long said the ratios would be the same. He said that long term, the funds are not available to operate the city even considering the lean operations. He said the council options are to continue on status quo and fund the station with taxpayer dollars or to add fire service to the special service district. Councilmember Colbert said the risk of residential fire is slim during the winter time so there might not be a need for fire personnel, but EMS is necessary. Mr. Long said the council needs to find a way to reduce the costs or everyone else will continue to subsidize it. Mayor Smith disagreed with Councilmember Colbert about the fire risk. Discussion was held about the intent to pay for fire service and the costs and risks of having or not having fire service. Councilmember Summerhays suggested having another meeting with the Suncrest residents. Mr. Long said the city cannot pay for the key infrastructures if they are paying for the fire-fight services. Mr. Long said a short –term solution would be to leave the TRSSD alone, reduce the tax rate so the surplus goes back to the district residents, and explain to the residents to agree to apply the surplus toward cost of the fire station. This would allow time to work out a long-term solution. Discussion was held about the possible reaction of the citizens and the affect of the ISO and homeowner’s insurance ratings.
Mayor Smith asked the councilmember’s to think about other options. Councilmember Summerhays reiterated his desire to meet with Suncrest residents to discuss this. Councilmember Colbert said the residents will feel they are not responsible for this issue. Mr. Long agreed it makes sense to schedule a meeting at the SunCrest Fire station to talk about the problem, the history, and options. Amy Baird said this year was different because Zion’s Bank plowed some of the streets but those residents still paid the same amount. Danyce Steck explained how costs are allocated to TRSSD. She said this is a very burdensome process. Discussion was held about contracting for all the services, particularly snowplowing.
April 20, 2010 City Council UNAPPROVED minutes (draft)
Councilmember Colbert said there is a piece of curb missing on the Long Branch Drive adjacent to Deer Ridge. At the Suncrest meeting there was a lot of concern about safety issues with SunCrest Drive and other roads regarding striping, flags for snow, and basic maintenance. Another issue expressed is a strong support of the establishing a TRSSD advisory board. He said it has been voted down in the past but may need reconsideration. He said he thinks they need 5 members to work with Danyce Steck on the budget process and make recommendations as far as level of service. Councilmember Rappleye said they would become advisors but would not control the tax fund. Council member Colbert said he is supportive of creating such a board. They need information and understanding.
April 27, 2010 City Council APPROVED minutes
Councilmember Colbert asked if an overlay could be done on Deer Ridge Drive and some portions of Lone Peak Parkway. David Decker said we will try to crack seal it, put fabric down, and do an overlay. The possibility of using TRSSD funds for Deer Ridge Drive was presented.
Mayor Smith said there have been discussions in the past about creating this type of board but it has never gone forward. He said the purpose of the board, number of members, liaison from the council and other items need to be discussed. Councilmember Colbert said there are a number of issues that could benefit from citizen input. He felt there should be 5-7 members. The board would need to meet requirements of the Open Meetings Act and hold regular meetings. Councilmember Stenquist asked why this came up. Councilmember Colbert said questions came up during the budget discussion and there was a desire expressed by Suncrest residents expressed at their homeowner meeting to have their voice heard. Councilmember Stenquist said he understands SunCrest is one of the highest taxes areas in Utah. He said we already have a process for getting information and he is hesitant to add a middle layer between the council and the residents. Councilmember Colbert said there is a strong feeling from those residents to get more involved and to alleviate feelings of disconnect for those residents. Councilmember Stenquist expressed concern, noting that community councils were dissolved because those councils became politicized and started to working counter to the city. Councilmember Colbert said he feels this is different because it is a separate taxing entity. Councilmember Rappleye said he feels it would facilitate better decision making if the special needs of residents are discussed. Councilmember Stenquist said other areas may come forward and request a similar committee for their areas. He said the board members should be appointed and bylaws adopted if a board is created. Mayor Smith said the request keeps coming back. This area has additional needs and costs. Councilmember Colbert said the board needs to be TRSSD, not Suncrest. Councilmember Stenquist said he wants to make sure the SunCrest residents feel comfortable coming to the city council as their elected officials. Councilmember Colbert said this item was put on the study meeting agenda to see if there is enough support to move forward with establishing a board. Mayor Smith asked that this be put on the agenda as a discussion item so the full council can take part in the discussion. Doug Ahlstrom said the board would need to be created by ordinance as specified in the city code. Councilmember’s Colbert and Rappleye stated the board would need to be centered around the TRSSD fund balance.
Mr. Long pointed out the bond on the Suncrest fire station has been paid with the Fire Impact Fee fund. After another year, another source will be needed to pay that bond. Councilmember Colbert added that two additional stations will be needed by the time the city is built out.
The TRSSD fund was noted. No capital projects are proposed from this fund at this time. Funding for the salt dome and fire services need to be discussed. Councilmember Summer hays asked for a continuation of the dialogue about the history of the Suncrest development.
May 11, 2010 City council UNAPPROVED minutes (draft)
Councilmember Summerhays reviewed the purpose of the TRSSD. Doug Ahlstrom explained that the council created the district and set themselves up as the administrative control board. The council can create a citizen’s advisory board that has all the power of the board except the power to tax. Mr. Long said the resolutions creating the board specifies the duties of the board and includes “and any other activities of the district.” Mr. Ahlstrom said the law is specific to require advertisement in the Notice of Intent what is being proposed. Only specified activities can be adopted. Councilmember Walker pointed out the TRSSD can pay for all the road problems because transportation includes snow removal, street lighting services , repairing and maintaining roads. Mr. Ahlstrom said everyone is taxed at a certain level, and TRSSD puts in the extra amount. Mr. Long said that is the understanding, but that is not what the resolution says. Councilmember Colbert urged equity. Mr. Ahlstrom agreed with Mr. Long, stating the resolution mimics the notice of intent, which is copied straight out of state law. Mr. Long said from legal point of view, what was adopted is not what had been discussed. Councilmember Colbert said one solution is to have one resident from the district appointed to the TRSSD board as a voting member. That would give representation and gives a voice of the district residents. Councilmember Walker said the council represents everyone in the city. He said the tax rate for the entire city is affected by the district. The district is a neighborhood with significant problems such as the fire station and the roads. Those problems will break the budget for the entire city. He said the budget meetings are open and the city is transparent with the money and its public clamor that some of the district residents don’t trust the council/board. Councilmember Colbert replied the TRSSD is the highest taxed entity in the state, and one vote won’t change anything. Discussion was held about the fire station history and fire protection. Councilmember Walker said the ultimate goal of some TRSSD residents is to eliminate the district. Councilmember Summerhays said he would like to have a meeting at Suncrest to discuss this. Mr. Long said the council needs to resolve in their minds how they want to address this before meeting with residents.
We need your voices heard at the City Council meeting.
Where: Draper City Hall
When: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time: 7:45 Citizen Comments can be given. Three minutes per person allowed. (We can ask at this time if public comments can be given during the actual discussion or should we speak now)
Time: 8:45 Discussion: Creation of TRSSD Advisory Board
What we need: Take a few minutes of your time to voice your opinion on why we should have an advisory board made of SunCrest residents or/and a SunCrest resident as a voting member of the TRSSD.
I have included your reading pleasure, the approved and not yet approved city council meeting minutes concerning SunCrest or TRSSD funds. This is word for word out of the meeting minutes I got off the Draper City website. This will give you a general idea of how the city and council members feel about the TRSSD. This is also brings up discussions of the SunCrest fire station and SunCrest road repair.
Sincerely,
Amy Baird
SunCrest resident
April 13, 2010 City Council APPROVED minutes
Amy Baird requested the council consider options for the TRSSD, including an advisory board consisting of Suncrest residents. The council suggested scheduling a council meeting at a Suncrest station.
Layne Long said the proposed budget is the same document as has been considered adopted during the last two years because the budget has been cut to the bare bones. This document will paint the big picture as to the status of the revenue and expenditures. One component is the special services district. He reviewed the history of the Suncrest fire service and said it is the biggest part of the cost to support the development. He reviewed the master development agreement, noting that the additional cost of the services was anticipated from the beginning. According to the assumptions, the cost of the fire station should be supported when Suncrest is built out. Differential costs are to be covered by the special service district until build out. Mr. Long said the assumptions were wrong to begin with. He then reviewed the creation of the special services district. He noted the creation of fire and EMS district had been discussed but that the district was not created. The TRSSD district which was created does not cover costs for fire services.
Mr. Long said Danyce Steck had calculated figures , based on the development agreement, to show the percentage of tax dollars that goes to the fire protection. The calculation is about $.57 per dollar of property tax collected. If that amount were applied toward the special district, it would be $225,703. Subtracting that amount from the cost of operating the fire station at SunCrest, the city is subsidizing $625,00 every year for the operation of the station. Councilmember Colbert noted that property taxes are not the only revenue. Mr. Long said the ratios would be the same. He said that long term, the funds are not available to operate the city even considering the lean operations. He said the council options are to continue on status quo and fund the station with taxpayer dollars or to add fire service to the special service district. Councilmember Colbert said the risk of residential fire is slim during the winter time so there might not be a need for fire personnel, but EMS is necessary. Mr. Long said the council needs to find a way to reduce the costs or everyone else will continue to subsidize it. Mayor Smith disagreed with Councilmember Colbert about the fire risk. Discussion was held about the intent to pay for fire service and the costs and risks of having or not having fire service. Councilmember Summerhays suggested having another meeting with the Suncrest residents. Mr. Long said the city cannot pay for the key infrastructures if they are paying for the fire-fight services. Mr. Long said a short –term solution would be to leave the TRSSD alone, reduce the tax rate so the surplus goes back to the district residents, and explain to the residents to agree to apply the surplus toward cost of the fire station. This would allow time to work out a long-term solution. Discussion was held about the possible reaction of the citizens and the affect of the ISO and homeowner’s insurance ratings.
Mayor Smith asked the councilmember’s to think about other options. Councilmember Summerhays reiterated his desire to meet with Suncrest residents to discuss this. Councilmember Colbert said the residents will feel they are not responsible for this issue. Mr. Long agreed it makes sense to schedule a meeting at the SunCrest Fire station to talk about the problem, the history, and options. Amy Baird said this year was different because Zion’s Bank plowed some of the streets but those residents still paid the same amount. Danyce Steck explained how costs are allocated to TRSSD. She said this is a very burdensome process. Discussion was held about contracting for all the services, particularly snowplowing.
April 20, 2010 City Council UNAPPROVED minutes (draft)
Councilmember Colbert said there is a piece of curb missing on the Long Branch Drive adjacent to Deer Ridge. At the Suncrest meeting there was a lot of concern about safety issues with SunCrest Drive and other roads regarding striping, flags for snow, and basic maintenance. Another issue expressed is a strong support of the establishing a TRSSD advisory board. He said it has been voted down in the past but may need reconsideration. He said he thinks they need 5 members to work with Danyce Steck on the budget process and make recommendations as far as level of service. Councilmember Rappleye said they would become advisors but would not control the tax fund. Council member Colbert said he is supportive of creating such a board. They need information and understanding.
April 27, 2010 City Council APPROVED minutes
Councilmember Colbert asked if an overlay could be done on Deer Ridge Drive and some portions of Lone Peak Parkway. David Decker said we will try to crack seal it, put fabric down, and do an overlay. The possibility of using TRSSD funds for Deer Ridge Drive was presented.
Mayor Smith said there have been discussions in the past about creating this type of board but it has never gone forward. He said the purpose of the board, number of members, liaison from the council and other items need to be discussed. Councilmember Colbert said there are a number of issues that could benefit from citizen input. He felt there should be 5-7 members. The board would need to meet requirements of the Open Meetings Act and hold regular meetings. Councilmember Stenquist asked why this came up. Councilmember Colbert said questions came up during the budget discussion and there was a desire expressed by Suncrest residents expressed at their homeowner meeting to have their voice heard. Councilmember Stenquist said he understands SunCrest is one of the highest taxes areas in Utah. He said we already have a process for getting information and he is hesitant to add a middle layer between the council and the residents. Councilmember Colbert said there is a strong feeling from those residents to get more involved and to alleviate feelings of disconnect for those residents. Councilmember Stenquist expressed concern, noting that community councils were dissolved because those councils became politicized and started to working counter to the city. Councilmember Colbert said he feels this is different because it is a separate taxing entity. Councilmember Rappleye said he feels it would facilitate better decision making if the special needs of residents are discussed. Councilmember Stenquist said other areas may come forward and request a similar committee for their areas. He said the board members should be appointed and bylaws adopted if a board is created. Mayor Smith said the request keeps coming back. This area has additional needs and costs. Councilmember Colbert said the board needs to be TRSSD, not Suncrest. Councilmember Stenquist said he wants to make sure the SunCrest residents feel comfortable coming to the city council as their elected officials. Councilmember Colbert said this item was put on the study meeting agenda to see if there is enough support to move forward with establishing a board. Mayor Smith asked that this be put on the agenda as a discussion item so the full council can take part in the discussion. Doug Ahlstrom said the board would need to be created by ordinance as specified in the city code. Councilmember’s Colbert and Rappleye stated the board would need to be centered around the TRSSD fund balance.
Mr. Long pointed out the bond on the Suncrest fire station has been paid with the Fire Impact Fee fund. After another year, another source will be needed to pay that bond. Councilmember Colbert added that two additional stations will be needed by the time the city is built out.
The TRSSD fund was noted. No capital projects are proposed from this fund at this time. Funding for the salt dome and fire services need to be discussed. Councilmember Summer hays asked for a continuation of the dialogue about the history of the Suncrest development.
May 11, 2010 City council UNAPPROVED minutes (draft)
Councilmember Summerhays reviewed the purpose of the TRSSD. Doug Ahlstrom explained that the council created the district and set themselves up as the administrative control board. The council can create a citizen’s advisory board that has all the power of the board except the power to tax. Mr. Long said the resolutions creating the board specifies the duties of the board and includes “and any other activities of the district.” Mr. Ahlstrom said the law is specific to require advertisement in the Notice of Intent what is being proposed. Only specified activities can be adopted. Councilmember Walker pointed out the TRSSD can pay for all the road problems because transportation includes snow removal, street lighting services , repairing and maintaining roads. Mr. Ahlstrom said everyone is taxed at a certain level, and TRSSD puts in the extra amount. Mr. Long said that is the understanding, but that is not what the resolution says. Councilmember Colbert urged equity. Mr. Ahlstrom agreed with Mr. Long, stating the resolution mimics the notice of intent, which is copied straight out of state law. Mr. Long said from legal point of view, what was adopted is not what had been discussed. Councilmember Colbert said one solution is to have one resident from the district appointed to the TRSSD board as a voting member. That would give representation and gives a voice of the district residents. Councilmember Walker said the council represents everyone in the city. He said the tax rate for the entire city is affected by the district. The district is a neighborhood with significant problems such as the fire station and the roads. Those problems will break the budget for the entire city. He said the budget meetings are open and the city is transparent with the money and its public clamor that some of the district residents don’t trust the council/board. Councilmember Colbert replied the TRSSD is the highest taxed entity in the state, and one vote won’t change anything. Discussion was held about the fire station history and fire protection. Councilmember Walker said the ultimate goal of some TRSSD residents is to eliminate the district. Councilmember Summerhays said he would like to have a meeting at Suncrest to discuss this. Mr. Long said the council needs to resolve in their minds how they want to address this before meeting with residents.
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