MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING

August 17, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Ormon Sullivan.

A roll call was taken which showed council members John Gardner, Guy Coleman, Robert Yack, and Dave Woolstenhulme, present. Larry Murray was excused. The Mayor stated that the meeting was a specially called truth-in-taxation meeting and that notice of the time, place and agenda of the meeting had been provided to the local news media and to each member of the governing body.

Others present included City Manager Brad Hancock, City Recorder Carolyn Wilcken, Finance Director Mike Davis, John Wills, Edna Wills, Gordon Johnson, Leanna Iorg, Alan Iorg, Lanny Ross, Roland Uresk, Arthur McKee, Jim Milligan, Irene Hansen, Jean Liddell, Sterling Rees, Lynn Snow, Janet Snow, Bill Goodrich, Elva Wedig, Beulah Laris, Tim Rockwood, Kim Hall, Dorothy Slaugh, and George Wedig.

Opening prayer was given by Brad Hancock.

MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of August 10, 2004, were adopted after revision.

PURCHASE ORDERS

There were no purchase orders to review.

HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT APPLICATION

Council reviewed an application from Amy Guyman for a Home Occupation Permit to have a preschool in her home. After review and discussion, a motion was made by John Gardner to approve this application. Motion seconded by Guy Coleman. Motion carried unanimously.

WATER CONNECTION CONCERNS – JOHN WILLS

John Wills addressed Council with concerns regarding water connections for his Cottonwood Creek Estates Subdivision. At the present time the subdivision is within the city limits. However, residents of this subdivision are contemplating the possibility of disconnection from Roosevelt City. John asked if he could still purchase water connections after disconnecting from the city or if he could purchase connections right now while he is still in the city limits and then use them after a disconnection took place. Mayor Sullivan explained that as long as the subdivision was still in city limits, water connections could be purchased, but once disconnection took place, the moratorium now in place would preclude being able to purchase water connections unless water shares were traded. John proposed purchasing 20 water connections right now to be used at any time in the future, even if there is a disconnection. Council assured him that he could use the connections if he already had purchased them. However, they would need to be used in the subdivision and could not be used anywhere else unless permission was sought and given by Roosevelt City Council.

DUCHESNE COUNTY REVITALIZATION FUNDS

City Manager Brad Hancock reported to Council that Duchesne County had Revitalization funds available for which Roosevelt City could apply by writing a letter officially requesting funding of specific projects. Brad asked Council’s direction on what projects they would like to apply for and suggested a good project would be the walking/biking path. Brad also explained that this particular project would be expensive and there were also other funding sources to which we could apply for funding. Deputy County Attorney Roland Uresk suggested including all potential projects for the Commissioners to review. Council directed that a letter be written to apply for two projects for Revitalization Funds 1. Walking/Biking path, and 2. Hard surface parking lot south of Constitution Park. Council also discussed the need of a new maintenance yard and Brad stated that this could be funded through the Permanent Community Impact Board.

BLUEBELL AND HIGHWAY 121 ROAD EXTENSION

City Manager Brad Hancock reported that Council would need to decide whether or not to participate in the extension project for the Bluebell and Highway 121 roads. Most of this project will be in Duchesne County but the portion that would go through Roosevelt would possibly cost $60,000. This matter will be discussed in further detail at the next council meeting.

PUBLIC HEARING – TRUTH-IN-TAXATION

CERTIFIED RATE INCREASE

As prescribed by law, Roosevelt City held a truth-in-taxation hearing so residents could voice their opinions on the proposed certified tax rate increase. Finance Director Mike Davis first explained the need for the increased rate due to changes in the laws made by the legislators. The rate is based on the total valuations of property within the county and last years budget figures. Since the valuations were increased, the tax rate was decreased which created a shortfall in this years budget, making it necessary to increase the certified tax rate to make up the shortfall of approximately $30,000 this year and enough to cover next years budget. The following comments were made.

Sterling Rees – Sterling expressed dissatisfaction that his taxes had increased 31% of which 19% were for Roosevelt City and not the 16% as advertised. He stated that his health insurance premiums had risen 44% but his salary was still the same. He also stated that there should be a reduction in expenses before increasing taxes just like private business would have to do. Sterling felt it wasn’t necessary to have recently hired a Beautification Coordinator then ask the citizens to pay more in taxes. Sterling was unhappy that the school district had increased their tax levy, the city had increased their tax levy, and the county had increased the valuation of his home and it was just too much all at once.

Arthur McKee – Art stated that he was not here to complain, but to learn the reasons for the increase. He stated that he knew it was based on a complicated formula but all he knows is that he will have to write a larger check to pay for his property taxes and wanted to better understand why it was necessary. After Finance Director Mike Davis explained further, Mr. McKee stated that he appreciated knowing the facts and would support the increase as long as it was only in the amount needed to cover the current budget. He would not support an increase in an amount that would give more than this shortfall amount.

Irene Hansen – Irene stated that she was proud to be a resident of Roosevelt appreciative of all the services provided by Roosevelt City. She feels that for the size of our community, there are very good services and she understands the need to cover the cost of providing these services.

Gordon Johnson – Gordon expressed appreciation for living in Roosevelt but stated that he is retired and living on a fixed income and any increase in taxes make it difficult for him.

Mayor Sullivan then stated that when he took the office of Mayor he did so with the intent of making decisions based on two questions – What is the purpose and how will it benefit the citizens of Roosevelt.

Leanna Iorg – Leanna stated that their income is not increasing and would appreciate yearly increases instead of seeing so much of an increase all at once.

Lanny Ross – Lanny was upset at the increase. He stated that if times are tough Roosevelt City should tighten their belts like everyone else has to. He feels other revenue sources should be looked at instead of just increasing the property tax rate or better yet, try to trim expenses.

Jim Milligan – Jim stated that this is a good city but he agrees with Mr. Ross that cutting back expenses should be done when times are tough.

Elva Wedig – Elva stated they she is also on a fixed income and asked how she is supposed to pay for the increase in taxes.

Lynn Snow – Lynn expressed appreciation for Art McKees comments and stated that it is good for Council to justify the tax increases.

Dorothy Slaugh – Dorothy reported that her taxes had decreased but had done so because she lives in a blighted neighborhood and would like to see the city do something about changing the area she lives in so it would become more valuable.

Kim Hall – Mr. Hall stated that he is a county resident and believes the city needs to do more to get in businesses. He stated that prices are too high so people go elsewhere to shop.

Beaulah Laris – Beaulah stated that she also lives in the county, is unemployed and doesn’t know how she is supposed to pay higher taxes.

There were no other citizens that wished to speak. Mayor Sullivan expressed appreciation for all comments made and the varying viewpoints and then closed the public hearing.

After discussion, a motion was made by Robert Yack to accept the mill rate of .00446 and approved the FY 2004-2005 budget. Motion seconded by Dave Woolstenhulme. Motion carried unanimously.

A motion was made by Robert Yack to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by John Gardner. Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

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Ormon Sullivan, Mayor

ATTEST:

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Carolyn Wilcken, Recorder