January 13, 2021 | General Meeting

Voting

4-0 approving a zoning map amendment for 4.99 acres of property, located about 13504 South 7530 West, from A-1 to A-.25.

4-0 approving an amendment to City code regarding sewage disposal. This simply changes a section regarding allowable materials in the code from “Appendix A” to a reference to South Valley Sewer regulations. This was a requirement from South Valley Sewer, who provides sewer services to Herriman City.

4-0 approving the Consent Agenda, which includes:

• City Council Meeting minutes for September 23, November 18, and December 9, 2020.
• Interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County for a traffic signal located at the intersection of 13100 South and 6400 West.

 4-0 closing the public hearing for the issuance and sale of a water bond to fund construction of new water infrastructure and improving current infrastructure.

City Councilmember comments

• Councilmember Ohrn read an email sent to her expressing deep gratitude to Herriman City for first-class service and amenities, as well as thoughtful programs created by City staff (funded by the CARES Act) to give back to the community, like the Shop Around program, iPad and internet assistance for senior residents, and others.
• Councilmember Smith complimented Director of Finance Alan Rae and other City staff for taking care of the City’s budget. This also comes on the heels of another clean outside financial audit.
• Councilmember Shields commented on recent national events and that he believes the country still holds many common values and he wishes Americans would view each other as allies rather than enemies or even traitors.
• Mayor Watts continued with a comment that citizens may and should gather, assemble, and protest as they please, but that violence will never be tolerated. He encouraged Herriman residents to remember kindness and find ways to move our community forward amid disagreements.

Public comment

• One public comment by a resident noted that their street name was changed, and the neighborhood was generally unhappy with the change and process. The Community Development Director will bring background information on the issue to a future work meeting for discussion.

Board and Committee Reports

• Councilmember Ohrn, reporting from the Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District Board, noted that the period from July – December 2020 was the driest on record, and that Utah is in a severe drought right now. Encouraged simple water conservation methods such as shorter showers, shutting off tap water when not immediately in use, and so forth. Also encouraged Waterwise landscape classes.
• Councilmember Shields, reporting from the Mosquito Abatement Board, noted that one upside of the dry year was a lack of mosquitos, which led to a decrease of West Nile Virus in Utah and no human cases were reported.
• Councilmember Shields, reporting from the Utah League of Cities and Towns, explained there are a large amount of state legislator-sponsored bills that intend to reduce municipalities’ control over land use and growth. The City is urging state leadership to retain local control over land use.
• Councilmember Smith, reporting from the South Valley Sewer District, said the new drier facility is calibrating and is set to be finished and fully operational on February 12^th. The facility will significantly reduce the amount of space taken up by sewage as it removes all water from the load.

Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District

Pam Roberts of Wasatch Front Waste and Recycling District presented the 2021 budget and area cleanup. Base monthly rates for residents did not change. However, green waste can monthly rates rose from $9.50/ month to $10.50. Bulk trailer rental prices raised from $145 to 175.

During the annual Area Cleanup program put on by Wasatch Front Waste, the District experienced a shortage of drivers, which strained resources. However, in a survey, 92% of Herriman residents were satisfied with the program.

Other notes

It is City Council procedure to re-examine board and committee assignments around the state filled by council members. Per that procedure, they will discuss and likely take action on assignments at the next City Council meeting on January 27th.

Meeting video link