Park City Council Meeting Summary March 21, 2019

Post Date:03/26/2019 4:47 PM

SUMMARY of the MARCH 21 PARK CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

IN THE WORK SESSION

Sliding Scale Scholarship Program for Recreation and Ice Arena
Staff and Council discussed a sliding scale scholarship program for Park City Recreation and Ice Arena programs, based on Summit County’s area median income (AMI), in order to make programming more affordable for those seeking financial assistance. City staff sought direction regarding the qualification methodology for those seeking 20-70% discounts based on AMI.
Sliding Scale Scholarship Program Staff Report

 

Drinking Water Quality Strategy Update
City staff provided an update on drinking water quality. Given Sandy City’s recent challenges, which resulted in a ‘do not drink’ order, Park City sought to discuss the ways in which a similar situation can be avoided by Park City’s Water Department. Staff discussed the risks, technologies available, water treatment, distribution, monitoring tools, transparency, and other items related to the City’s drinking water.
Drinking Water Staff Report

 

IN THE REGULAR MEETING

STAFF COMMUNICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES

Summary of Council Strategic Planning Retreat
Staff provided Council with a summary of the Council Strategic Planning Retreat, held in February 2019. This year’s retreat was structured to focus on current Community Critical Priorities. Council gave specific direction regarding public transit and housing.
Council Strategic Planning Retreat Summary

 

Hillside Avenue Update
Staff updated Council on Hillside Avenue improvements and Old Town circulation and traffic. The recommended improvements will be completed in a three-tier approach, with tier-one improvements delayed as a result of Sundance Film Festival and winter road conditions. Tier-one improvements are nearing completion, and ‘Residential Area’ signs will be installed. After a short discussion, Council requested that this item return at a later date in May for a work session to address the actions taken thus far.
Hillside Avenue Staff Report
Exhibit A: Hillside Tiered Improvements
Exhibit B: Hillside Wayfinding Update
Exhibit C: Draft Scope of Old Town Access and Circulation Study

 

Council Disclosures
On March 20, 2019, the Treasure Hill purchase closed and the City is now the proud owner. Mayor Beerman thanked everyone who helped make the purchase a reality. Please stay tuned for details regarding a community celebration in June. The City’s Planning Department will begin the zoning process for open space, and the conservation process will begin as well.

 

Public Input
Residents from Hillside Avenue were in attendance to discuss the history of the road, to share their experience with vehicle traffic, and to ask questions regarding next steps. There was a brief discussion with Council members, who highlighted the road improvements that have been made to date and what can be expected to help resolve the traffic issue on the residential street.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Council approved the following item from the consent agenda:

  • A mine maintenance agreement with Jordanelle Special Services District (JSSD) for a one-year term with automatic annual renewals thereafter until terminated by either party. On average, Park City receives roughly 38% of its water supply from the Judge and Spiro mining tunnels, and maintaining these water sources is part of the City’s sustainable water resources goal. This is a renewal of a previous agreement with JSSD.
    Mine Maintenance Staff Report

    Attachment A: Mine Maintenance Agreement - 2019

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Council approved the following new business items:

 

 2019 Legislative Update

Staff provided an update on the 2019 Legislative Session, which wrapped up on March 14. Here is the status of high-focus bills watched closely by City staff and Council members:

There was additional discussion regarding the electric scooter bill, which was deregulated, making it easier for e-scooter companies to operate in city/towns with little oversight and regulation.

 

UPCOMING CITY MEETINGS

  • Planning Commission: 3/27, 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
  • Historic Preservation Meeting: 4/3, 5:00 p.m. at City Hall
  • City Council: 4/4, 6:00 p.m. at City Hall

 

STAY INFORMED

Interested in tuning in to listen to the 3/21 Council meeting in its entirety? Visit the following link to access audio from the meeting. Audio from Park City Council meetings is now offered with closed captioning.

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This is an unofficial summary of the meeting. To read the official minutes; please visit the meetings page on the city's website. Minutes are posted once they are approved.


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Regenerative agriculture

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Soils can potentially trap a large amount of carbon away from the atmosphere. One method of driving more carbon into soils is through regenerative agriculture.

For example, in the summer of 2018 Park City decided to initiate regenerative agriculture on the iconic piece of land at McPolin Barn. This piece of land had remained relatively undisturbed since it was set aside under easement in 1991. The lack of disturbance on the land led to the grasses that grow and die each year to thatch together, never properly decomposing into the soil.

In partnership with Bill White Farms, a local non-profit organization, cattle were reintroduced to the former dairy. Rather than allowing them to spread out and graze on their favorite species, the cattle were herded together which forced them to eat down the grasses and weeds indiscriminately. The disturbance by the cows hooves, as well as what comes out of their tail ends, helped to mix dead matter with the soil and facilitate the decomposition process. This accelerated decomposition is key in releasing nutrients, thus creating a healthy environment for microbiota to trap more carbon away from the atmosphere and build up the health of our soils. The healthy soils are also more able to retain water, and allow for better growth of native species instead of noxious weeds.