Allan's views:
1. What is your position on building a civic center for White City? What do you see as the potential benefits or drawbacks? If you think a civic center is appropriate, where do you propose implementing it?
I think the ability to openly discuss ideas is imperative for determining the best long-term solutions for our community. I am open to discussing the possible needs, uses, and location options of a potential city building. An unbiased feasibility study that looks at all the options would be a useful tool for future planning, and public input should be an important factor before final recommendations are made. I’m not in a hurry to rush into the wrong decision. Without seeing and discussing all of the possible options I couldn’t specify a preferred location. I can think of multiple options with unique pros and cons.
Potential benefits are: designated location for city business/meetings, office space for administrative tasks, storage for supplies and emergency events, additional sense of community with an official city building, multi-purpose for additional community uses.
Potential drawbacks are: finding the right location, initial cost, ongoing cost of maintenance/upkeep.
2. Current rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) require them to be part of the dwelling structure and can only be rented out in owner occupied properties. Keeping in mind the State’s legal requirement to increase the stock of moderate-income housing, what changes, if any, would you make to these rules and why?
Allowance of internal ADUs (basement apartments), provides flexibility for homeowners in all life stages. Example: A young homeowner might rent their basement for income while establishing a career, use the full property with a growing family, then rent their basement again in order to age in place and have assistance close by. I’m open to detached ADUs because I feel like they bring this same flexibility and potential benefits to our residents, while helping to meet demand for housing options.
I feel owner-occupancy is necessary.
Guidelines for parking, sizing, and utilities will be important to not cause unintended consequences.
3. What is your stance on expanding infrastructure such as sidewalks, street lighting, and speed control measures (e.g., speed bumps)?
I propose an ongoing 5-year list of infrastructure maintenance priorities – reviewed annually with public input. A determined, ongoing dollar amount in the annual budget can better keep the public informed of upcoming maintenance. First, we need to improve and repair our current infrastructure (sidewalks, street lights, road surfaces); then with additional funding (when available) we need to see where it might make sense to pursue new sidewalks and additional street lighting.
I would like to have staff present a full report of traffic calming ideas (including speed bumps) and discuss what options might be most beneficial and most cost-effective.
4. Do you support Unified Police Department coverage exclusively for White City, or would you support shared coverage with adjoining cities? Why?
I support the regional model for public safety and emergency response. Crime and emergency issues don’t stop at municipal borders in a built-out metropolitan area. Citizens across the valley are ultimately spending more, specifically on public safety, due to so many agencies competing to retain police officers (although police are certainly worth paying fairly). I think citizens stand to benefit from specialized services that come with a larger organization in a regional model.
But ultimately, the council’s responsibility is to explore and review all options to determine what is best for our city regarding service level and fiscal impact.
5. What specific plans do you have to improve disaster preparedness and response at the neighborhood level?
Continue supporting our emergency management planning staff to identify and complete needed plans, policies, and procedures for various types of emergencies and disasters our community could face. Those documents need regular review to ensure they continue to address current needs. Our emergency planning documents should be available online for public review to help residents understand the procedures we need to follow during an emergency event.
We need to form better partnerships with local resources and CERT groups. Regular outreach to residents should also include emergency preparedness tips that can help and encourage residents to be as self-sufficient as possible.
6. What role should the city play in enforcing property maintenance standards?
First and foremost, the city needs to review and enforce standards that maintain health and safety of our neighborhoods. Homes and yards that pose an abnormal risk of fire, blockage of walkways, potential physical damage to neighboring properties, and increased exposure to unmanaged pests should be expected to address those concerns for the health and safety of the community as a whole.
The city should also work toward creative ways of encouraging more community pride and looking at ways to support volunteer efforts of neighbors helping neighbors to maintain and improve properties in cooperation with the property owner.
7. Would you support incentives for homeowners to improve yard care or exterior upkeep as part of a community beautification effort? If so, what would that look like?
The council previously updated ordinances needed for residents to qualify for the Utah Water Savers landscape rebate program. We can educate residents on the availability of this incentive program and any others. We can look into adding an incentive on top of existing rebates, or possibly try to fill the gaps where this specific rebate program does not offer incentive (improvement projects that don’t involve grass removal).
Supporting community volunteer efforts, specifically, would be valuable. One simple example could be to pay for dumpster rentals when a group of citizens organize to help a neighbor with a cleanup project.
8. What steps would you take to increase transparency and communication with constituents?
As a councilmember, I proposed a regular quarterly postcard mailer to inform residents of upcoming city meetings/events (dates, times, locations) as well as to highlight important issues. Consistent, simple outreach and website maintenance will help keep residents engaged and informed.
Video recordings of city meetings should be posted on the city website within one day, along with meeting minutes and supporting documents. Technology allows us to easily provide video and audio access to residents at their convenience. As much as possible, topics should be discussed at city meetings at least a month before the council needs to make decisions.
9. How has the current administration performed in representing and serving White City? What would you continue, change, or improve?
Current administration has allowed White City to navigate changes and surprises of working over many years to evolve from unincorporated, to township, to metro township, and now city. There has been diligent effort to meet deadlines for new requirements with each designation. Standards of service have been maintained through cooperation with many other entities.
I will continue to support our partnerships that provide our needed services. I hope to further engage the public in understanding those partnerships. I believe that open council discussion and increased public engagement are the keys to our long-term success going forward as a city.