[0:02] Everyone this evening. Welcome to the [0:04] Provo Municipal Council regular meeting. [0:05] It is July 14th, 2026 and it is 5:30 [0:09] p.m. [0:10] Um [0:12] Well, the roll call of the elected [0:13] officials, we have Council Rachel [0:15] Whipple, Council Becky Bogden, myself [0:17] Katrice MacKay, Council Craig [0:19] Christiansen, Council Jeff Whitlock and [0:22] Council Travis Hoban. [0:24] Today our prayer will be provided by one [0:26] of the Collins family. It's going to be [0:27] a surprise which one. And then we'll [0:29] have a pledge of allegiance by myself [0:31] Katrice MacKay. So we'll have one of the [0:32] Collins up for the opening prayer. [0:45] Thank you. [0:51] » Our kind Father in heaven, we humbly bow [0:53] our heads to thee with [0:55] gratitude for all of our many blessings. [0:58] Father, we appreciate the opportunity to [1:00] meet here this evening and to [1:03] honor those who protect and serve us. [1:05] And we pray that thou will guide all [1:08] those in uniform, protect them as they [1:10] continue to serve us. And Father, we're [1:12] thankful for [1:14] all of the great leaders of this [1:15] community and for the leaders of this [1:17] state and for our country. We pray that they will be blessed with [1:22] thy wisdom and thy guidance to continue [1:24] to lead us down the path thou would have [1:25] us go. [1:27] We give thanks for all that we have, say [1:29] so humbly and do so in the name of thy [1:30] son Jesus Christ. Amen. [1:32] >> Amen. [1:33] >> Thank you so much. [1:35] Please rise. [1:39] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the [1:41] United States of America and to the [1:44] republic for which it stands, one nation [1:47] under God, indivisible, with liberty and [1:50] justice for all. [1:55] » Okay, this is one of our favorite things [1:56] that we get to witness. Um, we're going [1:58] to have a ceremony for the badge pinning [1:59] of six new firefighters and this will be [2:01] presented by our fire chief, Jeremy [2:03] Hedman. [2:18] » Thank you, Council. Um, it's it's an [2:21] honor to be here today and to introduce [2:24] you to It's actually five today. One of [2:26] them wasn't able to make it, but we're [2:28] we have two more coming [2:31] in a couple weeks, so we'll bring him [2:32] then. Um, but five new firefighters. [2:35] These five firefighters have been [2:37] through eight weeks of training. Um, [2:39] they are on shift now and out there [2:42] running calls and and taking care of [2:45] emergencies every day. [2:47] Um, I'd like to start by calling up [2:49] Rhett Collins. [2:51] Uh, [2:52] Rhett [2:54] is a 24-year-old [2:56] from South Jordan, Utah. He joined the [2:58] fire service to challenge himself to [3:01] embrace new opportunities for personal [3:03] growth and to serve his community. [3:06] The most important things in Rhett's [3:08] life are his family and the [3:11] relationships he has with the people he [3:13] loves. Their support example have [3:15] inspired him to pursue a life a life of [3:18] hard work and service and making it [3:20] possible for him to reach miles to this [3:22] milestone in his career. [3:24] I [3:25] Rhett is going to be pinned by his [3:27] girlfriend, [3:29] Alaina. [3:31] >> Alaina. [3:33] >> It's Alaina. [3:49] » Congratulations. [4:00] » Uh next I'd like to invite [4:03] Italo [4:04] Perdomo [4:06] to come up. [4:14] So, Italo was born and raised in El [4:17] Salvador. He moved to the United States [4:19] in 2014. [4:21] He first moved to Texas after and then [4:23] after serving in an LDS mission in Utah, [4:26] he decided this was the place to raise [4:28] his family. [4:29] He moved to Utah at the end of 2019. [4:32] Shortly after that he was married. [4:34] Uh since then he has worked to pursue [4:37] his career as a firefighter. [4:39] He is currently working on a Bachelor's [4:41] of Emergency Services Administration [4:43] degree [4:44] and he has a beautiful 2-year-old son [4:47] who he loves dearly and he hopes one day [4:50] that he will follow in his footsteps and become a firefighter. [4:54] Um [4:56] Italo, [4:57] I didn't have you pronounce your wife's [5:00] Ar- Arene? [5:02] She [5:03] His wife Arene is going to come up and [5:05] pin his badge. [5:44] Uh next I'd like to invite Jake Johnston [5:46] up. [5:54] Jake was born in Redlands, California, [5:56] but he's grown up around Orem and then [5:58] is now living in Mapleton. He loves the [6:00] outdoors and activities such as dirt [6:03] biking, shooting, hiking, surfing, [6:05] which I don't know where he does that in [6:06] Utah, [6:08] and snowboarding. [6:09] Jake and his wife love traveling to find [6:11] new adventures together. He first got [6:13] interested in the fire service his [6:15] sophomore year in high school. [6:17] He took a basic EMR class. [6:20] From that point, he continued to learn [6:22] about it and wanted to have a career in [6:24] the fire service. He's very excited to [6:26] be [6:27] joining the Provo Fire Department and [6:29] starting his career here. [6:31] His wife Katie is going to come up and [6:32] pin his badge. [7:16] Next, I'd like to invite Blake Evans to [7:18] come up. [7:26] Blake grew up in Las Vegas. Um [7:30] He's [7:31] He lived there for 16 years. He moved to Utah in Herriman. He loves to do [7:36] anything outdoors like golf, pickleball, [7:38] hiking, fishing, just about anything [7:40] outside. [7:41] Blake said Blake is excited to serve a [7:44] great community and be part of something [7:46] bigger than himself [7:48] and to help people and be there for [7:50] people what might be their worst day. [7:54] Uh Blake is going to be pinned by his [7:56] father Alan [7:57] Evans. [8:35] And finally, I'd like to invite Daniel [8:37] Monson up. [8:44] Daniel was raised in West Jordan and [8:46] feels fortunate to call Utah his home. [8:49] Inspired to serve his community, he [8:51] completed his EMT certification at Utah [8:53] Valley University before he continuing [8:56] on with the university's recruit [8:58] candidate academy [9:00] uh where he earned his fire [9:01] certifications. Daniel is proud to join [9:03] the Provo Fire Department. I'd like to [9:06] thank his family, friends, and his [9:07] girlfriend Caitlin [9:09] uh especially for writing this bio. [9:14] Like to invite Caitlin up to [9:16] pin his badge. [9:39] Congratulations. [9:46] » It's pretty [9:47] It's a pretty fun time to hire five new [9:50] firefighters. [9:51] Um [9:52] we [9:54] hire once or twice a year. [9:57] Um these guys have all been outstanding. [10:00] The the trainers that trained them for [10:04] the last 8 weeks or [10:06] before they went on shift had nothing [10:08] but great things to say about these [10:10] young men. [10:11] And we're excited to see what they can [10:13] do to make Provo Fire and Provo City a [10:15] better place. I'd like to ask Heidi to [10:17] come up and swear them in. [10:30] » I do solemnly swear [10:32] >> I solemnly swear [10:34] >> that I will support, obey, and defend [10:37] >> support, obey, and defend [10:38] >> the Constitution of the United States [10:43] >> and the Constitution of the state of [10:44] Utah [10:45] >> and the Constitution of the state of [10:47] Utah [10:48] >> and that I will discharge the duties [10:50] >> discharge the duties [10:51] >> of my office with fidelity. [10:54] >> office with fidelity. [11:29] » You're good. I'll I'll them back to you [11:30] if that's okay. [11:40] 1 2 [11:42] Uh counselor [11:44] Bogden, can you assume [11:46] You're right. [11:49] Yeah. [11:50] >> [laughter] [11:54] » Thank you. [12:01] Congratulations to all the new [12:03] firefighters. We're really excited and [12:05] there is uh some treats and refreshments [12:07] in the community room and all the family [12:09] and friends are welcome to come. Thank [12:11] you so much. [12:17] Thank you. [12:18] Oh, so strong and young. Love it. [12:40] The pinning [12:43] The best way to do it is [13:02] All right, as indicated on the screen, a [13:04] required public hearing will be held for [13:05] certain agenda items prior to council [13:07] action. After each such item has been [13:09] presented, time to comment will be [13:11] provided for all those who wish to [13:12] speak. [13:13] For items that do not require a public [13:15] hearing, public comment will still be [13:16] taken following presentation of an item, [13:18] but will be limited to 10 minutes. [13:20] Please note that items 6 through 12 will [13:22] be continued to a future meeting and we [13:24] will not hold a public hearing for them [13:26] in tonight's meeting. [13:28] At this time, [13:29] up to 15 minutes have been set aside for [13:31] an open public comment period, which is [13:33] intended to allow comment on matters [13:34] that do not appear on the agenda, but [13:36] are limited to topics regarding [13:38] municipal business or within municipal [13:39] council purview. [13:41] Persons who speak during this time to an [13:42] item that is on the agenda will not [13:44] normally be afforded a second [13:45] opportunity to speak during the comment [13:46] period specific to that item. [13:48] During any public comment period, each [13:50] speaker will generally be limited to 2 [13:51] minutes. Due to noticing requirements, [13:53] no formal action will be taken in this [13:55] meeting on matters that do not appear on [13:57] the agenda. [13:58] Those with comments are invited to [13:59] approach the podium. Those participating [14:01] on Zoom will need to use the raise hand [14:03] feature to indicate they wish to [14:04] comment. The chair may choose to [14:06] alternate between in-person and online [14:08] commenters. Please begin your comments [14:10] by stating your name and your city of [14:12] residence. You will have 2 minutes to [14:13] speak. [14:15] Are there any online commenters at this [14:18] time or anyone in the public who would [14:19] like to come up and comment? [14:26] All right, we will move on. [14:33] You just need to say your name and your [14:35] city of residence, please. [14:41] » Um, my name is Burns. I'm from Provo. [14:44] Literally just a little ways away. [14:45] >> Yeah, we just need your full name, [14:46] please. [14:47] >> Um, my name is Burns Johansson. [14:49] Um, [14:50] recently there's been news about [14:54] content creators and dealing with things [14:56] going on in Provo, and it's sparking [14:58] some concerns. I work as a content [15:00] creator myself, [15:01] and [15:04] it seems concerning to me because [15:06] recently with what's going on with a [15:07] content creator, [15:09] it seems that someone's [15:12] verbal communication saying that someone [15:14] is doing something as in threats or [15:17] something like that [15:18] has caused Provo police to [15:22] do a subpoena to get all the information [15:25] from the person who [15:27] doesn't seem to have any evidence that [15:29] they said any of those things. [15:31] And [15:32] it kind of seems like Provo's trying to [15:35] wait it out, which [15:38] I can kind of understand why. This is a [15:40] very sensitive subject. [15:42] But considering both the subpoena [15:45] and the remarks by the prosecution [15:48] representing Provo, [15:50] it kind of seems alarming to work as a [15:52] content creator in Provo now knowing [15:54] that [15:55] if someone calls into the police and [15:56] says I threaten them with no proof [15:59] whatsoever, [16:00] the police will work to get a subpoena [16:03] for all of my information [16:05] and likely cause other damages to my [16:07] life. [16:08] And I get you guys will not be making a [16:11] comment about it today, but [16:13] as someone who's lived here and worked [16:15] with other content creators who were in [16:17] this city [16:18] and some of the major YouTubers who have [16:21] created what is now YouTube and online [16:24] content, [16:25] a lot of us are worried because we don't [16:28] want someone getting upset with us and [16:30] destroying our entire entire lives [16:33] and being able to get any information [16:35] that they want. [16:37] I hope you guys make a comment or take [16:41] some sort of action because [16:43] at this point we're scared and we want [16:45] something [16:46] some sort of movement on this. Thanks. [16:49] >> Thank you. [16:52] It's very good timing. [16:55] All right, any other public comment? [16:59] All right. [17:01] first we have an implied [17:02] motion on an ordinance vacating section [17:04] of 1600 West to deed back to the [17:06] adjoining property owners and this will [17:08] be presented by Megan Jensen, our city [17:09] planner. [17:16] Thank you, Council. Um we talked about [17:17] in the work session earlier. Um, but [17:20] essentially this portion of 1600 West [17:24] was um, dedicated to the city for [17:26] right-of-way um, in a subdivision [17:28] several years ago and the [17:31] improvements have been completed and [17:35] there is a remaining portion about 20 ft [17:37] in width and that would just be deeded [17:40] back to um, the adjacent property [17:43] owners. [17:44] And [17:50] there were some questions about the [17:52] width of the road. So, I got that [17:56] information from [17:57] public works. So, it would be 36 ft of [18:00] asphalt, 6 ft of sidewalk and variable [18:03] um, width for the mow strip. Um, that's [18:06] what's planned for 1600 West. [18:09] And with that, I'm happy to answer any [18:10] questions. [18:12] >> Great. Thanks, Megan. Any questions for [18:14] Megan? [18:15] Councilor Bogdan. [18:18] So, 36 ft is what's planned, but that's [18:20] not what's there today, correct? [18:23] >> Um, no. I don't I think that would [18:28] Well, that might be a better question [18:29] for public works, but I think that would [18:33] be [18:34] um, [18:36] widening out including the mow strip and [18:38] the sidewalk [18:40] um, as planned. [18:42] >> Gordon Hay, public works. So, when this [18:45] road is built on the new cross section, [18:46] the asphalt will be 36 ft the entire [18:49] width until it expands out further down [18:51] as we get closer to 64th and it'll go or [18:54] excuse me, to Lake View Parkway and then [18:56] we will [18:58] have the normal size roadway section. [19:00] So, just through this section and down [19:03] where we have existing development, [19:05] it'll only be 36 ft of asphalt. [19:09] » So, that's what we're looking at is 36 [19:13] ft, not what exists today. [19:16] >> Right. So, as curb and gutter gets put [19:18] in there, we'll have 36 through the [19:19] whole The minimum size of that small [19:22] section of road will be 36 ft of [19:24] asphalt. [19:24] >> Will be eventually. [19:26] Okay. Um [19:28] And then we talked about this. I want to [19:30] warn the public meeting because this road is really, really narrow. [19:34] And this road we're looking at this is a [19:35] collector road. This is not [19:39] for the public and for that live along [19:41] here and the people that live in the [19:43] neighborhood. This is more of an [19:45] alleyway and this is a collector road. [19:47] This is not a neighborhood street. [19:50] And this is planned to go all the way [19:51] from Center Street, which it does today. [19:54] And it ends at 11:50 [19:56] South. It's planned to go through all [19:58] the way to Lakeview Parkway. [20:01] And we talked about in order to do this, [20:03] you'd have to buy nine homes. [20:07] » Around nine homes. I'd have to get the [20:08] exact number, but there's nine I've [20:10] broken down. [20:11] >> And for safety purposes because the [20:15] elementary school is just [20:17] two houses to the two house Yeah, two [20:19] houses right here to the north. [20:21] Um [20:23] we're giving that back so that the [20:24] sidewalks there [20:26] to start to build the sidewalk down to [20:28] 890 because Shoreline Middle is like a [20:31] few blocks to the east and kids do walk [20:35] from elementary school and for the [20:36] Shoreline Middle School down this road. [20:40] So, for that reason I will vote yes. [20:43] Um but I do acknowledge that this is a [20:46] road that is very small. [20:50] And we don't have any plans to widen it [20:54] for generations. [20:57] >> Yeah, we'd have to buy homes and I [20:58] wouldn't vision just it's more important [21:01] to get the sidewalks in place today so [21:03] that we have a place for people for the [21:05] children particularly and people to walk [21:07] while we wait for a time when we do want [21:09] to buy homes and widen the road. [21:12] >> So, it's going to be widened on the [21:14] >> So, both sides Yeah, we plan to start [21:16] doing this whole road as we We're [21:18] working with each of the property owners [21:20] to get right-of-way as we get them. [21:22] What you'll see will be a 30-ft [21:25] 36-ft asphalt section with a variable [21:27] park strip and then 6-ft sidewalks on [21:30] both sides of this road. That's what [21:31] we're going to be working on. [21:33] We think this is an important pedestrian [21:35] corridor. We need to get that going. [21:40] » Yeah. Okay. Thank you very much. I [21:42] appreciate that. [21:47] All right. We will open this item up for [21:48] public comment. Any public comment on [21:50] this item? [21:53] All right. We'll turn over to council [21:54] discussion. Any council discussion on [21:56] this item? [21:58] >> Jeffress. [21:59] >> Councilor Jeff Whitlock. [22:00] >> Thank you. Yeah. [22:01] >> [clears throat] [22:02] >> I just want to say I think this is [22:04] fair. We don't have eminent plans to use [22:06] it, that we give it back. This was give [22:08] essentially given to us and giving it [22:10] back. And then I also appreciate [22:12] the proactive nature of recognizing we [22:16] need to get sidewalks that are safe for [22:18] kids so they can get to school safely. [22:23] » All right. We'll take a vote on the [22:24] applied motion. [22:25] Councilor Garrett is excused. Councilor [22:27] McKay, yes. Councilor Christensen. [22:29] >> Yes. [22:30] >> Councilor Whitlock. [22:31] >> Yes. [22:32] >> Councilor Bogdan. [22:33] >> Yes. [22:33] >> Councilor Hoban. [22:35] >> Yes. [22:36] >> And Councilor Whipple. [22:37] >> Yes. Miss passes 6-0. [22:39] >> Next, an applied motion on a resolution [22:41] attesting to the review of the missile [22:43] wastewater planning program survey for [22:45] calendar year 2025 in accordance with [22:48] the Utah pollutant discharge elimination [22:49] systems permit. This is presented by [22:52] Dave Torgersen, our wastewater [22:53] superintendent. [22:57] » Evening. Thank you for this opportunity. [22:59] Um I was hoping that Chief Headman [23:02] would have had the the whole audience to [23:05] hear this, [laughter] but [23:06] uh, they had other things to go do. [23:09] Um, but uh, this is this is a um, re uh, [23:12] self-annual survey that we conduct every [23:15] year. [23:16] Um, as we discussed in the the work [23:19] session, um, [23:20] we were a little bit late in doing it [23:22] this year, um, [23:24] but the the state sent out the survey to [23:26] the wrong [23:27] individuals, so we've rectified that. [23:30] Um, but what we're here tonight to do is [23:31] to to get a resolution um, approving [23:35] that you've reviewed the the [23:37] self-assessment that we've completed. [23:40] Um, the the self-assessment covers um, [23:43] several sections, um, [23:45] first of which is uh, financial [23:47] uh, self-evaluation. [23:49] Um, it goes through several several [23:52] topics um, on the the health of our [23:54] financial situation to to fund the sewer utilities. [23:59] Um, [24:01] it also covers uh, the collection [24:03] system, uh, the health of the collection [24:06] system, the age of it, [24:08] um, how many um, [24:10] backups and overflows that we've had [24:12] throughout the year, um, [24:14] and whatnot. Um, one of the things I [24:16] wanted to highlight um, [24:19] uh, Counselor McKay, [24:21] um, [24:22] in the work session pointed out that I [24:24] need to uh, do a better job of doing my [24:26] public service announcement. [24:28] Um, and um, [24:30] uh, admonishing to to not to not flush [24:34] flushable wipes. [24:36] Um, also don't pour um, fats, oils, [24:39] grease, things like that on the down the [24:41] drain. [24:42] Um, [24:44] they will end up causing problems. [24:47] Um, [24:48] so um, please please don't do that. [24:50] That's part of um, what causes backups [24:53] that we have to go and [24:54] um, undo [24:56] uh, and repair those. So, [24:59] um, the the section also covers the the [25:02] wastewater treatment plant, [25:04] um, the condition, the capacity, [25:06] uh, any upgrades that have been made, [25:10] um, and it evaluates the staff that [25:11] we've had, [25:13] um, new development that's come in and [25:14] how that affects the system. So, [25:18] um, [25:18] with that, um, [25:20] we're seeking, uh, a resolution to [25:23] uh, adopt that. And are Are there any [25:25] questions? [25:28] » Any questions for Dave? [25:32] I don't think so. You're good, Dave. [25:33] Thank you. [25:33] >> you. [25:35] >> All right, we'll open this item up for [25:36] public comment. Any public comment on [25:38] this item? [25:42] Any council discussion on this item? [25:45] Councilor Christensen. [25:47] >> This is the kind of topic that no one [25:49] really discusses. [25:51] Uh, we're so grateful for your good [25:52] work. As we went through this in the [25:54] work meeting, [25:56] uh, a great deal of good work goes into [25:58] making sure this happens because [26:00] when these things don't happen work [26:03] well, uh, we feel it. So, thank you for [26:05] your good work. [26:08] » It's like you never think about it until [26:09] there's a very stinky problem. And so, [26:12] we're grateful that we don't have to [26:13] think about that. [26:14] >> And Rachel Whipple and I love reading [26:16] this survey. It's one of our favorites. [26:18] We really do enjoy it. And I do really [26:21] want the public to know, never flush [26:23] those flushable wipes. They will go [26:25] down, but they will not degrade. They [26:27] will clog up the system. We don't don't [26:30] do it. Don't. [26:33] >> All right, we'll take a vote on the [26:34] implied motion. [26:37] Councilor [26:39] McKay, yes. Councilor Christensen. [26:41] >> Yes. [26:42] >> Councilor Whitlock. [26:43] >> Yes. [26:43] >> Councilor Bogdan. [26:44] >> Yes. [26:45] >> Councilor Hogan. [26:46] >> Yes. [26:47] >> Councilor Whipple. Yes. And Councilor [26:49] Garrett is excused. That passes 6-0. [26:53] Next, we have a resolution approving [26:54] level two fire restrictions within the [26:56] Provo City Watershed. It was presented [26:58] by Kobe Hubbs. [27:00] We are very serious about no fires. [27:08] » Unlike Mr. Torgersen, I wish no one was [27:11] here to hear me talk. [27:13] >> [clears throat] [27:13] >> Um [27:15] this year's kind of been unique. Uh [27:17] the county [27:19] enacted level two fire restrictions on [27:21] June 26th. [27:24] And if you remember what happened the [27:25] day after, we had all the snow on Timp. [27:28] So, typically, we kind of follow our [27:30] suit right behind them. We kind of held [27:32] off to see if those [27:35] were going to hold, if we had any [27:36] moisture. Um didn't. Uh so, we wanted to [27:40] make sure we went with [27:42] those level two. So, I [27:45] made an emergency order right before the [27:47] 4th of July on [27:50] July 2nd, at 5:00 p.m. I enacted those [27:54] uh fire level two fire restrictions. [27:57] And we don't see anything in the near [28:00] future that will rescind those. So, [28:03] we're just here for council to go ahead [28:05] and accept those until something changes [28:09] and we get hopefully maybe some good [28:11] monsoon rains. [28:13] >> All right. Thank you. Any questions for [28:15] Corey? [28:18] >> Kobe. Sorry. [28:20] >> Close enough. [28:21] >> [laughter] [28:23] >> All right. Thanks, Kobe. [28:24] >> Yep. [28:24] >> All right. Open for public comment. Is [28:26] there any public comment on this item? [28:31] All right. We'll move ahead to council [28:32] discussion. Any council discussion on [28:35] this item? [28:37] All right. We'll call for a vote on the [28:38] applied motion. Councilor Christensen? [28:40] >> Yes. [28:41] >> Councilor Whitlock? [28:42] >> Yes. [28:42] >> Councilor Bogdan? [28:44] >> Yes. [28:44] >> Councilor Hoban? [28:45] >> Yes. [28:45] >> Councilor Whipple? [28:47] >> Yes. [28:47] >> Councilor Garrett is excused. Councilor [28:49] McKay, yes. That passes 6-0. If there's [28:51] no objection, we will now adjourn the [28:53] Provo City Council by unanimous consent. [29:01] » Recording stopped.