Gunnison City Council Work Meeting and Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, July 13, 2016, 5:30 PM
Gunnison City Hall, 38 West Center
Gunnison, UT 84634
Present: Mayor Bruce Blackham, Gunnison City Councilmembers: Robert Andersen, Blake Donaldson, City Recorder Janell Braithwaite, Police Chief Trent Halliday, Principal Trevor Powell, GVHS Baseball Coach Jared Andersen, Rec Director Tyson Brackett, Garrick Willden with Jones & DeMille Engineering, Mayfield Mayor John Christensen, Rec Committee Chairman Richard Nay, Lori Nay, Lee Bjerregaard, Tommy Bogh, Kim Pickett, Heather Hill, Kaylee Hill and Robert Stevens with the Sanpete Messenger
Conducting: Mayor Bruce Blackham
Mayor Blackham welcomed those in attendance noting this was more of the school's presentation and invited Principal Powell make the presentation.
Principal Powell explained the improvements they would like to see and the two year time frame they have planned on. He stated the preliminary bid was at approximately $135,000, and would like to see the improvements prioritized. The funding was discussed noting there had been $14,000 brought in from the 4th of July auction which will be matched by the School Dist. Principal Powell reviewed the improvements Tommy Bogh had helped with and the future items he has been planning. He noted Garrick Willden has been helping with the engineering. The netting, dugouts, walkways, backstops, lighting, playgrounds and fence lines were discussed. Garrick questioned where the group was on the future plans as well as the need for future capacity. The current facilities and their use were reviewed. Coach Anderson voiced his concerns regarding the improvement of the width of the walkways and the safety concerns of foul balls coming over the fences. He also noted the problems they have had with sprinklers that don't work, and questioned if they should get them repaired and work on getting the fence lines moved.
6:08 p.m. Mayor John Christensen left
Rec. Director Brackett listed the problems he has run into while scheduling tournaments between the lighting and number of fields. Tommy Bogh gave his recommendations for the improvements and the costs involved that he had figured. Chairman Nay would like to see a design that everyone could agree upon then go and get it done. He stated he was sure they could get the funding and would like to get it engineered and would rather get it done all at once rather than piece meal the project. Soccer fields were also discussed, and Lori Nay reviewed all of the funding options that may be available for a project such as this. Garrick Willden with Jones & DeMille Engineering gave his suggestions and listed what he may be able to help with. Councilmember Andersen suggested the possibility of looking elsewhere for more property to put some of the development to keep this area from becoming too congested. Mayor Blackham stated he would like to see improvements made on what we already have.
6:35 p.m. Supervisor Matt Reber arrived
Mayor Blackham mentioned some of the promotional discounts the City could put together for people that come to town for games and tournaments that may help keep them within the valley during their time here. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed plans including restrooms, the planting of trees and shade. The vandalism problems that have been encountered were also discussed. Principal Powell stated he would work with Tommy Bogh to create a plat map to send out to those interested. He will also give monthly updates to let everyone know where they are at on the project and what they are doing. Chairman Nay listed the improvements that would make the ball fields very distinct and inviting for those people that want to come and utilize the fields. Lori Nay reviewed a grant that was available for shading noting the grant application deadline is August 11th. Lori reviewed a worksheet she handed out for possible funding examples that were the most likely options and good starting points. Mayor Blackham felt as community
members that the improvements are wanted, and everyone would need to step up to get this accomplished.
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Coach Andersen noted the vandalism problems they have had at the ball fields. Principal Powell listed those from the valley that would be able to help with this project, and will be sure to give regular updates.
6:50 p.m. Shawn Crane and Joey Crane arrived
Lori Nay mentioned the recent project in Moab that the funding agencies had helped with noting the funding agencies would like to see new projects designed similarly to Moab's. Principal Powell reminded those in attendance how service oriented the people of the valley are, and felt this would be very helpful for the project.
7:00 p.m. Anita Lyons with the Gunnison Gazette, Ralph Derico, Richard Duncan, Avral Hansen, Kasey Peterson, John Mogle, Larry Childs, Paul Childs, Bryan Young, Jed Hansen, Stockton Hansen, Ron Christensen, Michele Christenson, Alicia Anderson, Darren Anderson, City Treasurer JoAnn Taylor, Police Chief Trent Halliday, Kirk Frandsen, Kent Dyreng, Public Works Supt. Donald Childs, Vern Broderick, Dalton Broderick, Austin Broderick, Councilmember Blane Jensen, Councilmember Andy Hill and Councilmember Thayne Carlisle arrived
7:10 p.m. Council Meeting
Invocation: Councilmember Andy Hill
Public Comment
RC Airport: Shawn Crane thanked the City, especially Supervisor Reber, for the time and effort put into constructing the radio controlled airport by the BMX track, noting there was not much cost to do this. He noted the chartered organization that exists for this sport, and those people that are coming to the City to utilize this location. He also explained this organization was covered with its own liability insurance by the AMA for a minimal amount through the organization. Joey Crane explained the events they would like to hold at this RC airport, and the many people this should bring to the area. Shawn welcomed those that would like to learn this to come up to the RC airport and someone would be more than happy to teach them. He also explained they would be more than happy to come in the future to give more of a presentation on what they do.
Update on Legacy Wall ~ Councilmember Andersen, Lori Nay
Lori Nay listed those citizens that served on this committee as: Kim Pickett, Councilmember Andersen, Barbara Bown, Jacob Dyreng and Richard Dyreng. She presented a handout to the Council noting it was a whimsical drawing of the history of the valley and reviewed each item. She noted it is currently in production, and is expected to be up on the wall before October 1st. It will be 20' long, produced on ceramic tile and will be in the middle of the 60' wall located by the clock tower at Legacy Plaza. The remaining wall will be determined by the community as they determine what images are significant in depicting the history of the valley. The remaining part will come throughout the winter as the ten most important images in history or current items are determined.
Discuss Proposed Gate Placement on G-Hill Road ~ Kim Pickett
Mayor Blackham explained it was important that the Council, community leaders and citizens create a vision of where the city is headed and what we think we ought to be doing and what we want to accomplish. He thanked those that do things and make improvements that make life enjoyable for everyone. He summarized the discussion that just took place regarding the ball fields noting the determination and hopes are to develop the ball park as a family friendly and attractive place for people to come. He listed the areas within the valley that are currently inviting for people to come to and the incentives that could occur. He felt if a niche were to be created for the valley then some events
7:25 p.m. Avral Hansen left
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would need to be created. He noted the limitations the valley has versus surrounding cities. He listed the improvements he would like to see in the City noting he would like to become the Central Utah Shakespearean Center and those events that could be associated with that. He announced the Council would like to improve the park and would also like to work with other communities in critical services and cooperate more that way. He stated he would like to see a walkway developed where even an elderly person could walk and sit and enjoy while walking the G-Hill.
7:30 p.m. Stella Hill arrived
Kim Pickett reported there were many citizens that were concerned the G-Hill was going to be blocked off to motorized vehicles. Councilmember Hill noted this had been discussed more than a year ago. There was a small discussion on the decisions that had been made previously. Mayor Blackham stated he would like to hear the best ideas and best vision to move this path forward as a community. Councilmember Donaldson reviewed the history of the G-Hill discussions and the current dust problems he has seen. Kim Pickett reiterated the fact when it was determined to install a gate, it was not to be locked according to Brian Jensen who was on the Council previously. He then reviewed the R.S. 2477 law that was passed in 1866 allowing people to access public properties across private lands and public lands, allowing for development of the country. This was sent to him by Mark Anderson who was unable to attend, but currently serves on the Sanpete County Public Access Committee and has for over 10 years. He stated from a legal standpoint there would really be an issue with this. He pointed out the fact that no one currently knows who owns the road. Kim read an e-mail from Mark Anderson regarding R.S. 2477 detailing the rules of shutting down roads. Councilmember Donaldson and Kim Pickett agreed the discussion needed to be moved to what is going to be done with the road. Kim asked the Mayor realistically how many people have complained about the dust problem. The few numbers were reviewed. Kim gave his suggestions listing those ideas that could be looked into first. He noted how many people had utilized the discussed road during the seven days it was monitored by a trail cam. Councilmember Donaldson reported Supervisor Reber had installed a trail cam from August 5-12 which showed: 7 4-wheelers, 39 walking, 5 motorcycles, 4 bikers, 1 horse and 7 trucks. He noted Supervisor Reber had counted 83 people in seven days. Kim pointed out how much this is used, and while talking about recreation, this is a nice thing to offer the people of the community. Ron Christenson asked the Council when they talk about what is best for the community, how would this closure benefit the community? Councilmember Carlisle responded with the dust problem in which Paul Childs stated he lived there and the dust problem had never bothered him noting it was expected due to the location of his house. Kent Dyreng reported he had discussed this with all of the people living in the discussed area, and there were no complaints regarding the dust. Councilmember Hill reported the problems he has recently encountered on the dirt roads surrounding his house and the people abusing the privilege of using the roads. He noted this was the bigger reason here is because of the people abusing the G-Hill road. Kim Pickett and Councilmember Carlisle both agreed that more of a police presence would help deter those people abusing the road. Ron Christenson stated they weren't here to say they don't need to do something about the problem, they were here to tell the Council they don't want it closed.
Fire Chief Hansen questioned if they could identify where the dust was being generated. He noted if the City wanted to join the State Fire Protection Plan then work done could go towards "in-kind" funds for mitigation money when joining.
Kirk Frandsen asked if some speed bumps would be a possibility to slow people down. Councilmember Donaldson answered stating that only makes jumps for people. Councilmember Carlisle mentioned the cement barriers that had been discussed previously that would slow people down when they had to zig zag through them with Councilmember Donaldson explaining the power company still had to have access to this road. Kent Dyreng noted about three places along the road that are extremely rough, and he would like to get someone to come in with an Eagle Scout project and improve the road. Kent explained they had improved roads previously on BLM property, and would like to explore the opportunity of doing this with the proper approval on this road. Kim Pickett noted how important traditions are, the G-Hill was put into place in 1923, and is an important tradition. Councilmember Hill stated no one is talking about shutting down access to the G, we are talking about trying to get people to slow down. Kent Dyreng stated he had
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sat at the bottom of the hill monitoring the usage of the hill for the last 30 days, and reported on his findings. Paul Childs questioned the ownership of the flat part of the road where the people are causing the problems, and didn't think it would be that difficult to take out that part to minimize the dust. It was determined the County owned that specific area. Mayor Blackham stated he didn't know if the City wanted to put a lot of money into this project. Kim Pickett stated if the dust could be minimized then it would be a good thing. Ron Christenson questioned if there was anything the City could do if they see people tearing up the land other than the road as they baha around. Chief Halliday said yes, the City could even if it was on State property. Supervisor Reber reviewed the issues being discussed noting the real issue isn't speed, it isn't safety, but it is the dust at the Higgins' house and that neighborhood. He listed the options that would help mitigate the dust. This included bringing in a layer of road base making a nice smooth road off the pavement up past Higgins' house then treat it with chloride. He noted this would get rid of all of the dust, and would last about a year if there isn't a lot of water running on it. The Mayor announced his one and only issue is safety, however he is hearing the same complaint--dust. Supervisor Reber stated there has never been a liability claim that he is aware of against the City for this location, and if it isn't the City's property then the City isn't responsible anyway. He recommended the dust issue be fixed for a couple thousand dollars and be done with this. He noted the only dust problems he had seen from all of the pictures he captured on the trail cams was from the 4-wheelers, two 4-wheelers to be specific. Councilmember Donaldson would like to see a good drainage system put into place if this were done so as not to create a problem for the citizens during the first good rain storm encountered. The discussion ensued regarding patrolling underage ATV drivers as well as those without helmets within the City. Alicia Anderson from Mayfield spoke regarding her concerns of the tradition aspect being discussed knowing the new mural that will be put up on the Legacy Wall showed a 4-wheeler going up the G-Hill now contradicts what is being done since we are all here and have lived with the dust this long and we are all here for a little bit of dust. She felt the whole tradition of Gunnison was being changed with just one hill. Councilmember Hill stated the traditions of Gunnison Valley are very important, and shared the traditions he remembers, but stated times have changed and the amount of 4-wheelers and side by sides have dramatically increased as well as the increased rate of speed they are able to travel. He would like to keep it decent, and feels everyone has a responsibility to hold everyone else accountable and realizes there are a handful that abuse it and create the problems, but there are other people involved as well. Larry Childs commented of the increased speeds on the freeways as well noting times have changed and the ATVs travel faster as well. He felt there were some options available at this time that could make this area better. Anita Lyons questioned if all of the traffic is deteriorating the road to the G. The deterioration of the road was discussed and the areas most affected by the traffic. Michele Christenson stated she was mostly concerned about the motorcycles and 4-wheelers that are ridden by the "10" year old kids that are going 60 mph by her house. She noted she would rather have them on the G-Hill than on the streets with the traffic. She is glad to know they are up there rather than going up and down the streets. Mayor Blackham thanked those in attendance for voicing their concerns and comments. He noted the Council would try to accommodate the things they have heard. Councilmember Hill thanked everyone for attending noting this is what should happen, and how our form of government works.