September 17, 2014
North Salt Lake City Offices
Members present:
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Mayor Randy Lewis, Bountiful City
Mayor Paul Cutler, Centerville City
Mayor Mark Shepherd, Clearfield City
Mayor Mitch Adams, Clinton City
Mayor Jim Talbot, Farmington City
Mayor Don Carroll, Fruit Heights City
Mayor Steve Hiatt, Kaysville City
Mayor Bob Stevenson, Layton City
Mayor Len Arave, North Salt Lake City
Mayor Tammy Long, South Weber City
Mayor Beverly Macfarlane, Sunset City
Mayor Terry Palmer, Syracuse City
Mayor Rick Earnshaw, Woods Cross City
Colonel Ronald Jolly, Commander HAFB
Jim Smith, Chamber of Commerce
Tamara Lowe, Davis School Board
Commissioner Louenda Downs, Davis County
Commissioner JP Petroff, Davis County
Colonel Ronald Jolly
1| 09/17/2014 Davis County COG
Members excused:
1| 09/17/2014 Davis County COG
Mayor Ken Romney, West Bountiful City
Mayor Erik Craythorne, West Point City
Commissioner Bret Millburn, Davis County
Staff present:Staff excused:
1| 09/17/2014 Davis County COG
Marlin Eldred, DC CEDAnnette Hanson
Kent Sulser, DC CED
Barry Burton, DC Planning
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Visitors:
Senator Stuart Adams, Jennifer Somers, Congressman Rob Bishop’s Office, Wayne Bennion, WRFR, Chuck Gates, ULCT/UTA, Ken Bullock, ULCT, Cameron Diehl, ULCT, Jordan Giles, Rep. Stewart’s office, Eddie Cummins, UTA
- Welcome to North Salt Lake
Mayor Len Arave welcomed COG to North Salt Lake.
- Approval of August Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Downs made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 2014 COG meeting. Mayor Shepherd provided the 2nd and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
- Davis County Tourism
Update: Kent Sulser recapped Davis County’s tourism marketing strategy since the market study, findings, recommendation, and subsequent closing of the CVB. As previously relayed to COG, the marketing study found that the old approach to marketing tourism in Davis County was ineffective and missed the primary target audience. Moving forward, Davis County has contacted services from professional marketing organization Penna Powersto market tourism in Davis County. Penna Powers in one of Utah’s most respected agencies, known for marketingexperience and innovative promotional tools that rival that of any agency in the nation.
Davis County has also hired a new Manager of Tourism and Events, Randy Cook. Randy has over 20 years experience with an extensive background in event planning, sales management, and new business development.
In the near future, Davis County will also be adding an assistant to the Manager of Tourism and Eventsas well as a Sales-Lead Generator. As Davis County moves this effort forward, first priorities includecreating and launching effective digital marketing tools, redirecting marketing campaigns to a 300 mile radius, working to build on our current assets, and supporting and bringing new events which fit our marketing plan.
Tour of Utah through Davis County: Possible Event for 2015
Randy Cook addressed COG concerning a possible opportunity for Davis County to host a leg of the 2015 Larry H Miller Tour of Utah Bike Challenge. This event is forecast to have a substantial positive impact to the local economy and would bring significant media coverage and increased awareness for Davis County. Prior to this meeting each Mayor had received via email a one page summary addressing the obligations and benefits associated with hosting a stage in this tour. A copy of this letter is attached to these minutes (Attachment A)
The Tour of Utah has become a world-renowned, weeklong, international cycling event and community festival, attracting the world’s finest professional cyclists. Next year, the Tour will again take place throughout parts of Utah over a seven-day period from August 3-9, 2015. To be considered as a Host Venue for one stage of the tour, we must submit a formal Letter of Intent by September 30th. Our letter must state that the County and its cities are aware of, and accept, the requirements and obligations associated with being a Host Venue. The Tour committee would review Davis County’s application and a final decision will be announced next month.
Motion: MayorLewis made a motion to approve a letter of support for Davis County hosting the 2015 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah. Mayor Earnshaw provided the 2nd and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
- Transportation Update
Ken Bullock and Cameron Diehl from the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT) acknowledged that transportation funding is a topic of increasing importance in the legislature. Now is the time for local governments to work together for a solution.
There has not been an increase in the gas tax for around 17 years and no increase in sales tax for around 32 years. Existing funding levels and the current approach for finding new sources is not working. A timely, united approach in finding funding solutions is crucial. A wide range of funding options is being considered. With this serious issue in mind, ULCT recently passed a resolution encouraging the legislature to consider every possible option generally, and local option tax specifically, as a means of addressing the serious shortfall in transportation and funding. This resolution is at the end of these minutes. (Attachment B)
Senator Stuart Adams, whoserves as part of the Transportation and Public Utilities and Technology Committee and is a champion for transportation in Utah, also addressed COG. He reiterated the message that was shared by the ULCT in regard to the challenges in funding, maintaining, and growing transportation.Now, more than ever, local municipalities are looking for solutions to current and growing transportation needs. Timing is critical for communities to work together to protect Utah's quality of life for future generations. Envision Utah has developed a toolbox, "Urban Planning Tools for Quality Growth." Tool chest is aimed at bringing together as many partners as possible to form a unified approach so that counties, cities, and citizens can work together for success and to make sure we are not left behind when it comes to transportation funding. Senator Adams urged COG members to become engaged with this and other avenues addressing the important issue of transportation funding. It is essential for all participants to become actively involved in the solution now.
- Other Business
Colonel Jolly shared that HAFB will soon begin redesign and construction of the South and West gates to install speed tables. This will cause a temporary disruption to traffic patterns, but it is critical to the Anti-Terrorist Force Protection (ATFP).
In the next few months both the 75th and the 388th flight wings will deploy. Colonel Jolly asked COG to keep these troops in their thoughts and prayers so that they will return home safely to their families after representing all of us in the line of duty.
- Adjourn
Motion: Commissioner Petroff made a motion to approve adjourn. Mayor Earnshawprovided the 2nd and the motion passed by unanimous vote.
Future Agenda Items: Send Future Agenda Items to Kent Sulser or Annette Hanson**
or
**Must be received at least 48 hours prior to the meeting**
Dear Colleagues:
The Davis County Office of Tourism & Events has recently contacted the Larry H Miller Tour of Utah organizers and expressed interest in becoming a Host Venue for one of the race stages next year. The Tour of Utah has become a world-renowned, weeklong, international cycling event and community festival, attracting the world’s finest professional cyclists. Next year, the Tour will take place throughout parts of Utah over a seven-day period from August 3-9, 2015. To be considered as a Host Venue, we must submit a formal Letter of Intent by September 30th. . Our letter must state that the County and its cities are aware of, and accept, the requirements and obligations associated with being a Host Venue. The Tour will review our application and a final decision will be announced next month.
We are reaching out to each city in the County to determine your level of support and to make you aware of the benefits and the obligations associated with becoming a Host Venue.
Benefits Include:
- Davis County will be showcased through numerous media outlets on a world-wide stage.
- The Tour will create an economic impact by accommodating 300+ athletes and support staff, an entourage of 70+ media members, and numerous logistic personnel who all need hotel accommodations, plus food and beverage.
- The Tour will provide a memorable experience for local residents, charities, and dignitaries.
- Local sponsorship opportunities will be available for businesses in the County.
- Volunteerism opportunities will give local residents a chance to serve their community.
A Stage of the race can vary in length, from 80 miles to 130 miles. That means the stage will enter and exit several city boundaries. Once the Tour decides a stage route, the cities that are involved, along with the County, will have certain obligations which must be fulfilled.
Obligations Include:
- City and County police services and related costs will be our responsibility.
- Local public works and road services and any associated costs.
- All fees and permits associated with city and County for the operation of the event.
- EMT/EMS Services for the general public the day of the Stage
- Sanitation and waste management and removal services during the event.
- Allocation of a suitable area for a hospitality tent and expo (at the finish line) that can accommodate 300-800 guests.
- Provide a local organizing committee (LOC) that will work closely with the Tour’s organizers.
Under the new direction of our Tourism & Events office, these are the type of events we believe will have a greater economic impact on our County and unify our tourism efforts by working together. We encourage your support and cooperation and ask that you reply back to us by Thursday, Sept. 18th, and acknowledge your level of interest, or contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.
Utah League of Cities and Towns RESOLUTION 2014—002
(A) LPC Resolution Title/Subject
Encouraging the State of Utah to Pursue a Comprehensive Transportation Funding Strategy
(B) We, the Members of the Utah League of Cities and Towns find that:
1. Due to declining motor fuel purchases, improving fuel efficiency, and decreasing purchasing power because of inflation, the current use of motor fuel taxes to achieve transportation needs in Utah is outmoded & insufficient. The current motor fuel tax has not been increased since 1997.
2. The 1% local option sales tax is the workhorse for Utah’s cities and towns to provide the services that residents expect. The Utah Legislature has the sole authority to adjust the local option sales tax and last increased the 1% local option in 1983 (though the increase was not fully implemented until 1991).
3. Cities and towns are using a greater share of their general funds on traditional transportation related projects—such as road construction, operation, maintenance—because of a rapidly growing population and aging infrastructure which in turn prevents the cities and towns from adequately funding other core governmental services like public safety. Likewise, the state legislature supplements the motor fuel tax with general fund revenue which diverts money from other services.
4. At the same time, citizens are demanding a new paradigm of transportation—including bike lanes, transit, complete streets, trails, and multi-use paths—but cities and towns have insufficient revenue sources to meet the public demand. In fact, the Unified Transportation Plan identifies a local government shortfall of approximately $3 billion in revenue between today and 2040 in order to meet the local transportation needs. 5. Along the Wasatch Front, half of the PM2.5 emissions that degrade air quality come from mobile sources such as motor vehicles. For most Utahns, cleaner air is a top priority issue for the State of Utah because it impacts public health, transportation, natural resources, economic development, and tourism. The traditional transportation infrastructure incentives cars and thus contributes to the air quality problem.
6. In Utah, nearly one in ten adults and an increasing number of children suffer from asthma. 57% of adults are overweight, 22% are obese, and one in ten children is overweight. In addition, one in fourteen Utahns suffer from diabetes and it is the sixth leading cause of death in Utah. The new transportation system will encourage active transportation because of enhanced opportunity, connectivity, and safety, which could result in better personal and public health.
7. Investing in both old and new transportation has a profound economic impact in Utah. For example, if the State of Utah invested an additional $11.3 billion dollars on transportation between now and 2040 per the Unified Transportation Plan, it would save Utah’s households and businesses more than $84.8 billion in expenses, generate 182,618 jobs, and contribute more than $183.6 billion in additional gross domestic product for the State.
8. Residents are demanding a new paradigm of transportation—including bike lanes, transit complete streets, trails, and multi-use paths—but cities and towns are limited to the aforementioned revenue options of the 1% local option and the motor fuel tax which are insufficient to meet the new public expectations.
(C) Now therefore we the members of the Utah League of Cities & Towns recommend that:
1. The Utah State Legislature empower cities and towns with the financial tools to fulfill the new paradigm of transportation that our residents expect; and
2. The staff of the Utah League of Cities and Towns is authorized with the necessary flexibility to pursue all potential funding options to address the new transportation paradigm.
(D) We the members of the Utah League of Cities and Towns recommend that the Utah State Legislature carefully consider the following comprehensive approach:
1. A statewide, local option ¼ cent sales tax dedicated to transportation. This statewide, local option sales tax would provide additional critical transportation infrastructure funding for cities and towns to invest in the new transportation paradigm and reduce the impact of growth or aging transportation infrastructure on municipal general funds.
2. The ¼ cent sales tax for transportation would generate the approximately $3 billion between now and 2040 and could meet the priority needs identified in the Unified Transportation Plan.
3. Clarify and expand the definition for what transportation funds can be used to reflect both thediversity of transportation options in cities and town and the demand from our residents for more active transportation options. Under current state law, B&C revenues via the motor fuel tax may only be spent on B&C roads and on transportation modes within B&C rights of way. The new definition could include transit, sidewalks, trails, bridges, signage, road safety, tunnels, bicycle paths, and other modalities outside of B&C rights of way. Investing in trails, sidewalks, and bike paths will result in Utahns living more active and healthy lifestyles and thus decreasing health care costs and improving quality of life. Investing in transit, trails, and bike paths will also help improve the air quality because it will reduce the quantity of motor vehicles on the roads.
4. Raise the traditional statewide motor fuel tax and include an indexing component so that the motor fuel tax could keep pace with inflation.
1| 09/17/2014 Davis County COG