Report on the State of Springville City in 2005
January 2006
Mayor E. Fritz Boyer
General Introduction: The January 2006 issue of The American Legion magazine changed its usual focus from veteran’s issues, traditional American values, community service, and related matters to ask the question, “What’s to become of America’s cities?” The magazine’s feature article is entitled “ America’s Metropolitan Mess,” by Mark Preston, a Washington based writer.
In his article, Mr. Preston writes, “Cities across America are immersed in financial crisis. (They) are slashing services, delaying or canceling critical projects, laying off employees and asking those that remain to take pay reductions. Budget cuts are across the board. …Three of five cities polled (by the National League of Cities) were “less able to meet their fiscal obligations, regardless of population size, region, or taxing authority.” In addition to an uncertain economy, local officials say revenues are not keeping up with the rising costs of benefits for employees, the increasing costs of delivering services to residents, and the ongoing need to update an aging and, in some cases, crumbling infrastructure.”
Mr. Preston continues, “…The fiscal problems facing local communities are not going to be resolved in the near future … problems associated with the nation’s infrastructure – bridges, roads, sewer, and natural disaster preparedness – need to be addressed. At the same time, local governments are going to be expected to do more with less help from the federal government as Congress and the President work to reduce the deficit. …Residents in cities and counties across the country will need to learn to live with reduced services or dig deeper into their own pockets to help sustain them.”
I call your attention to Mr. Preston’s general but rather gloomy status report and discouraging projections for the future of many cities, in contrast to the actual financial status of Springville City. Under the direction of Layne Long, City Administrator, the City’s financial management practices, and current fiscal status, continued to improve steadily in 2005.
Springville City’s most recent independent audit considered financial statements of all “government activities, business-type activities, each major fund, and the aggregate remaining fund information, which collectively comprise the basic financial statements of Springville City … as of and for the year ending June 30, 2005…” The independent auditor’s opinion was favorable and unqualified, and included the statement, “Springville City … complied, in all material respects, with the general compliance requirements identified (in the report) and the requirements governing types of services allowed; eligibility, matching, level of effort, or earmarking; and special tests and provisions that are applicable to each of its major State assistance programs for the year ending June 30, 2005.” The independent auditor noted only three “immaterial instances of noncompliance,” each correctable and requiring only minor administrative action.
Although relatively small, Springville’s economic base is growing by significant margins, whether viewed in terms of population, assessed value, or overall retail sales. Both residential and commercial development is expected to continue at a controlled and very beneficial rate. Springville’s estimated population is in excess of 25,000 (25,709 in December 2005), the 18 th largest city in the State of Utah. Springville City recently received an increased bond rating to AA-, as determined by Standard and Poor’s, a rating matched by very few other municipalities of comparable size in Utah.
Outline: In order to assist the Mayor and the City Council to carry out their sworn duties and responsibilities, the administrative element of most cities, including Springville City, has organized public service providers into departmental public service units and quality of life units. In Springville, these public service departments are:
- Public Safety, including fire and ambulance services;
- Public Works, including streets, water, storm water, waste-water, solid waste, cemetery, facilities maintenance, and engineering services;
- Light & Power, including generation, distribution, and electrical operations services;
- Community Development, including planning and zoning, building and inspections, and code enforcement services; (Note: Brief comments of my own on the importance of continuing collaborative regional land use and transportation planning for the future are included in this report.)
- Administration, including personnel, legal, recorder, finance, computer systems, customer relations, economic development services, and senior citizens.
In Springville, quality-of-life departments include: Parks and Recreation;Springville Museum of Art;Library;Hobble Creek Golf Course; and Senior Citizens, a program recently becoming a responsibility of the City Administration.
This annual report on the State of the City for the period ending with 2005 will contain comments regarding the contributions of each of the departments.
Public Safety: The January 2006 issue of the American Legion Magazine also contains an insert article regarding cities entitled “Challenges Can Create Opportunities,” by Lee P. Brown, a former member of the Clinton administration, a former Mayor of Houston, and a former police commissioner of New York City. Mr. Brown writes, “The primary responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of the people… Safety continues to be a major concern for cities throughout the United States. Even though many municipalities have experienced significant declines in crime rates, crimes involving juveniles have noticeably increased. That increase is associated with the longstanding problems of drugs and gangs.”
Contrast Mr. Browns comments with the progress made by Springville City relative to juvenile crime and illegal drug usage. The Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Finlayson, has placed an emphasis on helping and working with juveniles for the past several years. Springville has assigned three school resource officers (SRO) to work with every Springville School and with every student. Springville is the only city in the Nebo School District to have an SRO working with each school. As a result of the close working relationship between students and the SRO, Springville has reduced juvenile arrests by 50% in the last 10 years.
Also, in the past several years, the Police Department has placed an increased emphasis on the identification and arrest of those using illegal drugs in our community.
Patrol and investigative police officers are finding those who use illegal drugs and those who steal from residents to support their drug habits. From January 1, 2005, through the December 8, 2005, 175 individuals have been arrested for drug violations in Springville. Major illegal drug enforcement incidents included such diverse actions as seizure of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, recovery of stolen property, and arrests for trafficking, possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
During 2005, the investigative arm of the Police Department solved several major and diverse cases. The Department of Public Safety conducted its first Public Safety Fair and attracted over 700 citizens to come and learn about crime prevention, emergency preparedness, first-aid, personal safety, identification kits for youth, and fire safety. The department also received a U. S. Homeland Security grant to upgrade the computerized records management system to connect with all other public safety agencies in Utah County. As a result, fire and police personnel will have immediate, real time access to information on all incidents and offenders in the County.
The Public Safety elements of Fire and Ambulance continue to serve the community with volunteer fire fighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT) who staff the ambulance. (*Currently, the City is in need of more EMT’s and encourages all who are willing, especially those who can respond during daylight hours, to apply.) The Fire Department, under Chief Phil Whitney, responded to approximately 20 fire related calls during 2005, including a large land fire in northeast Springville, on U. S. Forest Service property. As a result of quick response by fire crews from Springville and surrounding areas, as well as the U. S. Forest Service, the fire was brought under control with no injuries and no structures damaged.
The Fire Department received a countywide U. S. Homeland Security grant for rehabilitation and hazardous materials equipment and supplies to assist all agencies in the South Utah County area with disaster response. The trailers containing the equipment will be kept and maintained here in Springville for immediate deployment in South Utah County.
Public Works: In 2005, under the direction of Brad Stapley, P.E., the Public Works Department began a major effort to update the City’s Master Plans. Jeff Anderson, P.E., began working as a Senior Engineer for the City in January 2005.
The Drinking and Secondary Water Master Plan (Phase I) has been completed. This plan includes a cost estimate for fixing existing deficiencies and a capital improvement plan for 1 – 5 years, 10 years, and 10+ years. Also, to be completed in the near term, is a water rate and impact fee study.
A draft Wastewater Collection Master Plan has been completed and is ready for review by the City staff. This master plan will also identify existing wastewater collection deficiencies and include a capital improvement plan.
The Storm Water Master Plan is to be completed by the end of January 2006. The City is working with the Springville Irrigation Company to identify the locations where City storm water enters, or is carried by, irrigation company facilities. This information will allow the City to proceed with the development of a storm water collection system and the establishment of the most economical but acceptable storm water utility. As with the other master plans, this master plan will also identify existing storm water collection deficiencies and include a capital improvement plan.
The department is also working with an engineering firm to assess the City’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). This assessment will address the current status of the WWTP; the effectiveness of different treatment possibilities; give recommendations regarding future capital improvement projects required to upgrade the WWTP for future growth, and look into the feasibility of abandoning or scaling back the existing WWTP or joining a regional wastewater treatment facility.
The well-drilling portion of the new culinary water well on Canyon Road was completed. Pump tests indicate that the well will produce 2,000 GPM (gallons per minute) of pure well water for introduction, without treatment, into the City’s culinary water system. The 400 South well was completely rebuilt increasing the yield from 1,500 to 3,000 GPM. A new well house was constructed with the latest electronic control equipment to optimize well production.
3,000 feet of 10-inch water main pipeline was installed along the west side of Main Street from 900 North to 1400 North (SR 75) in anticipation of the UDOT asphalt paving project completed in the Fall 2005.
The Canyon Road wastewater pump station, located adjacent to the Bartholomew Pond, was fully rehabilitated and upgraded with dual pumps and new telemetry to accommodate additional homes connecting to the sanitary sewer in the Meadows subdivision and to protect the Burt Springs watershed, a major source of culinary water for the City.
The Main Street Rehabilitation Project, including the installation of medians and decorative stamped concrete crossings; resurfacing of Main Street pavement through the downtown area; and decorative lighting between 400 South and Center Street powered by underground electrical conduits, is almost complete. Installation of 5,600 feet of asphalt trail along Canyon Road and Hobble Creek, connecting the City’s trail system to the Hobble Creek trail was completed, along with 6 miles of paint striping for bicycle lanes.
Of significance too, were the impressive 2005 efforts of public works personnel in Streets, Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste, Facilities Management, and the Cemetery. I regret not being able to summarize their impressive efforts in any meaningful detail.
Light and Power: After trying unsuccessfully to find a replacement for Cal Baxter upon his retirement in 2004 as the Director of the Springville City Light and Power Department, the City Council decided to divide the director’s responsibilities between three senior members of the Department, i.e. Matt Hancock (Generation Supervisor), Leon Fredrickson (Distribution Supervisor), and Tony Fieldsted (Sub-Station Operations Supervisor). With assistance from the City’s administration, and as a credit to that triumvirate, the department has continued to provide effective cooperative management and efficient operations.
Prior to 2005, Springville had only one power feed from Utah Power (UMPA) through the Spanish Fork Substation. In order to comply with current N-1 reliability standards, the department completed engineering and equipment installation to allow power to also feed from the South Utah Valley Power Systems (SUVPS) substation at Dry Creek, located in SW Springville, into the City’s main receiving substation. In the event that the City loses power feed from either one of these two substations, Springville will remain with power to serve its citizens.
Springville has taken over the SUVPS transmission system. SUVPS members include Payson, Salem, Spanish Fork, Springville, and Utah County areas served by the Strawberry Electric Service District. All control and supervision will be directed through the Whitehead Power Plant dispatch center, allowing for better communication and coordination in the event of troubleshooting or switching needs of the system.
Due to continued growth in Springville’s west fields, another transformer was added to the system to add an additional capacity of 20 megawatts for that area. Installation of an underground distribution system has been completed for the west fields improving the reliability for new growth in that area and giving the department the ability to operate the system with up to three substations.
At the Whitehead Power Plant (WHPP) generator relay protection and troubleshooting capability has been improved. This was accomplished by removing redundant equipment and mechanical generator relays from the existing control panels, and installing new electronic generator management relays in the control panels. Protection for two transformers at the WHPP has been improved by installing transformer protection relays and a lockout. Using in-house crews, the department relined the cooling tower sump, replaced tower valves and cooling media, saving the department, and the city, a considerable amount of money budgeted for replacing the cooling tower.
Hydro plants continue to be a good renewable energy power generation source for the City with minimal expense. Repairs have been made to the waterway and valve at the Upper Bartholomew plant and an irrigation penstock expansion joint has been replaced for the Hobble Creek plant. The collection system has been cleaned, rebuilt, and placed back into operation. Water quality testing and monitoring has been implemented to meet Federal Energy Resource Commission (FERC) re-licensing requirements.
Community Development: The average annual growth rate for the City between 2000 and 2005, as reported by Director Fred Aegerter, remains slightly over 4% representing new growth of approximately 1000 persons per year. These growth estimates are consistent with the population projections prepared by the staff several years ago, i.e. an estimated population of Springville between 29,000 and 31,000 by the year 2010.
The number of subdivision lots recorded in 2005 is the highest number in the history of Springville at 655, double the highest number in the past 5 years. The majority of these lots are in the west fields of our community. In addition to those lots recorded in 2005, another 684 lots are currently in the approval process. Greater numbers of duplex/twin homes have been built in 2005 than at any time in the last 5 years. Multi-family unit numbers will be the lowest (48) they have been since 2001. Average valuation of single-family detached dwelling units is $180,630 while the valuation for duplex/twin home units is $120,956. Valuations on the multi-family units have increased significantly in 2005 (to $107,595), but continue to be one of the most affordable new housing options in the City.
The number of building inspections is up about 9% over last year through November 2005. Providing the economy continues to be stable, the department anticipates that building permits will increase in 2006. Planning elements of the department were heavily involved in preparing the new sign ordinance, which was adopted by the City Council in the summer of 2005. General Plan and Master Plan updates were also completed in the areas of parks and trails, transportation/circulation, and public safety.
2005 was the first complete year for code enforcement by Community Development rather than by Public Safety. The vast majority of the 3,726 violations were remedied with a warning. Code enforcement emphasis is still on voluntary compliance, but is essential to the overall appearance and safety of the City. The number of code enforcement violations will continue to grow in correlation to the City’s growth.
In 2006 customer service will be an area of focus. Improvements to physical facilities will continue in an effort to better accommodate the public. In planning, the department will continue to provide service to developers to help ensure compatibility and improvement to the overall function and appearance of Springville.
Land Use and Transportation Planning: A personal concern that I deem to be of great importance is collaborative regional land use and transportation planning.
As a Mayor, I have been heavily involved with the Utah County Council of Governments (COG) which consists of all Mayors of Cities in Utah County and the Utah County Commissioners. I chaired COG for one year, replacing Commissioner Gary Herbert, now Utah’s Lt. Governor. Although informal in the conduct of its meetings, and currently functioning without an updated charter, it is an important source of insight into the problems held in common within the County, and shared with other cities in the County. And, it provides an introduction to those who are attempting to determine potential courses of action for land use, transportation, and other important regional issues.
Also as a Mayor, I have been involved with the Mountainlands Association of Governments (MAG), the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Utah, Wasatch, and Summit Counties. I served as the Chair of the MAG Transportation Planning Committee and of the MAG Executive Committee for one year each. It was because of my association with MAG, that I, along with other representatives from MAG, joined with representatives from the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC), the MPO for Salt Lake, Davis, and Weber Counties; the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT); the Utah Transit Authority (UTA); and Envision Utah. The combined efforts of this basically transportation oriented group resulted recently in an important compilation of “Growth Principles and Objectives for Transportation Planning” just released to the public. These principles will be incorporated into the MPO’s long- range transportation plans to assist both the U.S. Congress and the Utah State Legislature in determining funding priorities for all means of transportation, a very important concern, particularly here in Utah County. I encourage Mayor Mangum to maintain these relationships for the benefit not only of Springville, but of South Utah County as well.
Administration: More that two-dozen ordinances were reviewed by City Administrator, Layne Long, and City Attorney, Troy Fitzgerald, and passed in 2005 by the City Council.
Due to seasonal hiring, new positions, and turnover, City personnel officials handled the hiring process for more than 78 new employees, including a Senior Engineer, a Library Director, and a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator. A new personnel handbook, or manual, was completed and implemented during 2005. The new 75-page manual completely overhauled Springville’s personnel policy. Implementation included training and testing each employee. Personnel officials have worked with Directors and Supervisors through the transition process. Background checks on all incoming personnel were also instituted in 2005.
Several significant projects and reviews were begun in 2005 to include tiered power rates, power project contracts, an irrigation storm water agreement, land acquisition and sale negotiations and contracts, impact fee reports and ordinances, master plan amendments, among others.
The utility bill was reformatted for better understanding and information. The web site www.springville.org was improved and publicized. Productivity in the cashier’s area was improved by promoting use of the internet for utility bill payments. (Note: Approximately 10% of all utility bills are paid via the internet, and customers can view their bills, payment options, and usage history online, as well as access required forms without coming into the City offices. An investment policy was prepared by the administration and formally adopted by the City Council.
Comments regarding quality of life departments and services:
Parks and Recreation: The Parks Board recognized that “so much positive and good has been done in the area of parks development” over the past several years, and gave credit to the direction of Alan Curtis, as assisted by Alex Roylance. Continuation of that effort, coupled with the recent establishment of park impact fees and bonding by the City Council will secure parcels of open space for future use as parks and for recreation while land is still affordable and open space is available. A Parks and Trails Master Plan has been completed and accepted. Completion of a connecting trail for access to the Hobble Creek trail was completed in 2005. Recreation programs, designed to meet citizen needs with high quality service, continue to grow and expand as evidenced by the hundreds of youth participants in such varied programs as soccer, flag and tackle football, volleyball, track and field, baseball and softball, swimming, and more.
Springville Museum of Art (SMA): In 2005, the Museum completed its first full year in its beautiful renovated and expanded facility and has stabilized administrative and operational functions by adding an operations director to its staff. The museum has always been loved and recognized as “highly historical” and is now recognized by academic and artistic colleagues as “(fully) professional and highly esteemed.” When asked why it took so long for Springville’s art movement (founded in 1903), to achieve such recognition, Director Vern Swanson said, “Big things take a long time to turn corners.” In 2005, the museum acquired fifty works of art with the highest appraised value for any year in its history. Plans and financial backing have been secured to build a sculpture garden on the south side of the museum beginning in the spring of 2006.
Library: Lynette Catherall ably directed library efforts until her retirement in July 2005. Long-time circulation supervisor Shirlene Wheeler retired in November 2005. The Library Board hired Pam Vaughn as the new Library Director, beginning in September 2005. Early in 2005 the Library received a State grant to upgrade computer systems and make access to the library catalogue easier for patrons, an effort completed in October. In November, the Library received an additional grant to purchase Spanish-language materials, including books, magazines, and audio-visual titles for children, teens and adults. Shelving changes have recently been made to help locate and identify materials more easily. A note of interest regarding the use of the library is the current trend to increase patron visits without increasing circulation. This is because of the increased use of electronic resources and because patrons are encouraged to browse, read material, and share ideas during a visit. The library plans to increase the number of programs for young adults/adults during 2006.
Hobble Creek Golf Course: Golf Professional, Director Sonny Braun, reports that Hobble Creek is still one of the busiest golf courses in the State with an increase in rounds played during 2005. Considering the competition brought on by new facilities and courses in our area, many offering discounts all year long, this in a commendable achievement. In 2005, new carpeting was laid throughout the clubhouse; many of the fairways and the driving range tees were over-seeded; the course purchased a new turbo fairway mower, a sand pro, and leaf blower to improve playing conditions; and, new tee markers were custom made and installed on teeing areas. In 2006, plans are to remodel the restrooms with new fixtures, tile, and paint; adding/replacing cart paths where tree roots have caused damage. The goal of the golf course is to continue to improve operations and maintenance to meet the demands of increased competition and remain a leader in the industry.
Senior Citizens: The Springville-Mapleton Seniors had a full range of activities and programs throughout 2005, and indicated a preference to remain under the social service guidance of Mountainlands Association of Governments (MAG). Current membership consists of well over 200 seniors. As an example of activities enjoyed by the seniors, in November 2005 they attended a presentation of “Mousetrap” by the Springville Playhouse, with 20 returning to the center after the play for refreshments; traveled to Ogden to view the Christmas lights; conducted the annual quilt raffle for the Primary Children’s Hospital in conjunction with the last dinner of 2005. Special dinners, with entertainment, are held on the last Friday each month. Although the last scheduled activity of the year was held on December 16, the center remained open during the Holiday Season for those who wanted to come there. (Note: All were saddened on December 27, 2005, by the death of Director Wayne Cutler after a sudden illness. The entire City Staff, along with the current City Council, offer our condolences to his widow Deanna and to his children as they, along with us, grieve his passing. Choosing a new Director for the Senior Citizens that can effectively lead this important program will be one of the early challenges for the new Mayor and Council.)
Conclusion: To conclude this report on the State of Springville City through 2005, I refer again to The American Legion magazine of January 2006 and to the article “Challenges Can Create Opportunities” by Lee P. Brown. Mr. Brown’s concluding remarks are summarized as follows. The major challenge to any city is to develop and implement plans to systematically address problems. Mr. Brown suggests that cities involve the private sector and the community (to the extent possible and acceptable) in the planning and decision-making process. He labels the process “neighborhood oriented government.” Such a government process has three principles “solving problems at the neighborhood level, being accessible, and delivering city services in a prompt and courteous manner.” He recognizes that “there is no finish line in the life of a city,” but believes that the concept of “neighborhood oriented government” holds the best promise for continuous advancement of cities. My questions to all the citizens of Springville are, “What kind of City do you want? And, “What is important to you to maintain your quality of life in Springville?”
My gratitude goes to departing Council members Jay Knight and Dianne Carr, and to the City’s administration and staff, for the challenges they have met and solved during my term as Mayor. My unqualified support goes to the new Council members and the new Mayor.