•  
• • My Provo
  • About the City
  • Interactive Map
  • Elected Officials
  • City Services A-Z
  • City Departments
•  

•  
• How Do I...
•  

• Read the Update?
• Watch Channel 17?
• Research the City Code?
• Report Graffiti?
• Contact the Help Line?
• Email the Mayor?

• You Are Here:
• Provo City
• >
• Provo City Government
• >
• Mayor's Office
• >
• Public Information
• >
• City Accomplishments
• >
• 2008 Accomplishments

2008 Accomplishments

• Municipal Council Remodel and Seismic Upgrade - The Municipal Council was relocated to the second level of the City Center.  Facilities Services worked with the architects to design the office area.  The new space is much more efficient and operational for the Municipal Council members.  The contractors also completed the seismic upgrades to the main level of the building.
• City Center Parking Lot Upgrades - Replaced the poles and lights in the southwest and southeast lots with new, more attractive and efficient lights.  The asphalt overlay of both lots was also completed. 
• Police Front Counter Remodel -Coordinated the remodeling of the front counter area in Police.  This project enhanced the workspace and customer service counter.  A bullet resistant glass was also installed to eliminate the possibility of any objects coming into the space.  This will also improve the safety of the staff in the area.
• City Center Main Level Upgrades - Completed several upgrades to the main level of the City Center; including a new employee break room, newly painted hallways and new ceiling.  The upgrades also included remodeling the Treasury and Cashier’s area.  These upgrades have enhanced the overall appearance and utilization of space.

• Completion of Audit and Annual Financial Report - Completed the audit and prepared the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 20, 2008 on schedule.
• Implementation of Annual Budget - Completed and implemented the Annual Budget for FY 08-09.
• Received Certification of Achievement for Excellence - Received Certification of Achievement for Excellence in financial reporting from the Government Finance Officer’s Association (GFOA) for the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2007.  This is the 16th consecutive year the City has received this prestigious recognition.
• Fund Raising for Covey Center for the Arts - Took an active role in raising funds for the Covey Center for the Arts.  Almost all of the necessary funds have been raised and the hope is that the balance will be raised by the end of fiscal year 2009.
• No New External City Debt - The City did not incur any external debt during the year.  One of the primary reasons was the use of the Capital Resource Fund.  The Capital Resource Fund provides an option for funds in the City to invest over a longer period of time at a long-term market rate (typically higher than short-term market rates) and then the fund needing to borrow funds saves on debt issuance costs.  As a result, the City is, in effect, borrowing from itself and avoiding borrowing from an outside agency.
• Sale of iProvo - Assisted with the financial aspects relating to the sale of iProvo.
• Industrial Development Bonds - Worked closely with Action Target, Bond Counsel and the City’s Financial Advisor for the issuance of Industrial Development Bonds for a new Action Target facility being constructed in the City’s Mountain Vista Business Park.

• Wellness Program Recognitions - The Provo City Wellness Program received the 2008 Healthy Worksite Award from the Utah Council for Worksite Promotion.  Provo City was awarded the Platinum level which is the highest level awarded.  The award is in recognition for providing a quality worksite wellness program and for educating employees on health and wellness issues and providing them with opportunities to participate in healthy programs. 
• Conducted City-wide Compensation Study on over 200 Different Classifications - Adjusted 84 different classifications that positively affected 212 employees.  Provo City continues to maintain a conservative but competitive total compensation package for its employees.
• Successful Audit of Provo City’s Market Study Process and Compensation Methodology - Per an audit conducted by the Segal Group, Provo City was found to have a sound compensation program that is consistent with industry best practices.  The results of the review were shared with the employees in a general meeting.
• Revised City Policy to Address Pay Issue of Leepfrogging - The policy was changed to prevent instances of leapfrogging in which a less experienced employee is paid higher than a more tenured employee, typically following a market adjustment.  The change was well received by employees.
• Chaired Employee Contribution Efforts to Charitable Agencies - Thanks to the generous donations by Provo City employees, $26,994 in monetary donations benefitted local charities.  Employees also donated 2,633 lbs of food for the Timpanogos Regional Food Bank, an increase of over 1,000 lbs from last year.  Employees also contributed 3.5 truck loads of coats as in-kind donations to United Way through Deseret Industries.
• Worker’s Compensation and Safety Management Produce Outstanding Results - The City received the Workers Compensation Fund 2008 Award for Outstanding Efforts in Workplace Safety.  The City is still well below the permissible loss ratios and has an excellent experience rating modification of .65.   The City received a dividend from the Workers’ Compensation Fund in the amount of $14,888 due to favorable results.  Success is also due in part to the City’s efforts to help employees return to work on modified schedules.  This helps the department, employee, and the City with overall costs and efficiency.
• Human Resource Information System Maintenance - Processed over 1500 distinct personnel actions for employees, including new hires, terminations, merit raises, promotions, market grade changes, status changes and benefits.  Applied regular system updates to ensure proper administration of benefits and to ensure proper payment of employees.  Staff conducted various testing processes to ensure continuity of data during system updates.
• Transition of Peaks Ice Arena Employees - Coordinated recruitment and transition of 30 ice arena employees to ensure a smooth transfer of management to Provo City Parks and Recreation.
• Aggressive Unemployment Cost Monitoring Continues to Yield Savings - Aggressive monitoring, employment retention and transition efforts have enabled the City to continue to be below budget despite a poor economy and employments costs on the rise.
• Enhanced Property and Casualty Insurance Coverage at Reduced Rate - Despite a micro burst wind claim and a  9% increase in replacement costs, the City negotiated a premium reduction of 11%.  The outdoor property limit was increased from $500,000 to $1 million.
• Transition of Medical Insurance Carriers - Provo City changed to Aetna to provide greater integration of medical and HRA/FSA claims for a better total value.  Aetna’s larger local and national network of doctors and hospitals is a benefit to employees, retirees and especially for dependents and retirees living outside of Utah.
• New Medical Plan - Introduced the HealthFund HSA plan to employees.  This plan provides employees a tax-free medical savings account which allows employees to increase/decrease their contributions at will.  Enrollment in this plan tripled expectations.
• Conducted Numerous Recruitments and Employment Tests - Processed approximately 4,300 applications, hired 570 employees (seasonal, full-time, part-time and temporary). 
• Expanded Recruitment Efforts - Increased Provo City’s presence in the local job market by establishing kiosks for online application; developing and marketing Provo’s job site (www.provocity.jobs) through posters, business cards, vehicle magnets, and a commercial for the City channel; attending multiple job fairs; and participating in the annual City Community Services Fair.
• Employee Relations Matters - Handled numerous employee investigations and relations issues including sensitive employee and supervisor relation matters, disciplinary problems, behavioral counseling, benefit counseling, medical concerns, injuries, fitness for duty evaluations, morale problems, and others.
• Annual Benefits Fair - Successful benefits fair was attended by 96% of the full-time employees along with many family members and retirees.  Employees met with vendors to discuss benefit coverages and strategies.
• Training - Completed citywide training for Workplace Violence, Drugs in the Workplace and Preventing Harassment.
• Senior Golf Games - Organized the Provo City Senior Games golf event.
• Risk Management Given High Marks - Provo City’s risk management and claims handling programs were audited by outside vendors during liability negotiations.  Provo’s process received an A+ rating.
• High Participation in Retirement Savings Plans - Approximately 75% of the full-time employees participate in the voluntary retirement savings programs.  Employees now have the opportunity to contribute to a Roth IRA plan for spouses through payroll deduction.
• High FSA participation - 53% of the full-time employees set aside their own money in a medical flexible spending account (FSA).  (Industry average is 23%).
• Renewed States Liability Insurance Program at Lower Rate - The Liability Insurance policy was renewed at a cost $6,000 lower than the cost in 2005 even though revenues, vehicles, and payroll have increased.  The rate was due to the City’s favorable loss record and increased market competition.
• Renewed Aviation Coverage at Lower Rate - Provo City renewed coverage with a new carrier with a $7,100 savings.
• Revised City’s Drug Policy - The City’s drug policy was modified to include random testing for safety sensitive positions.  The policy was strengthened to ensure safe operation of equipment by City employees.
• Reduced Costs for Drug and Alcohol Testing Services - Successfully negotiated a $2,000 annual reduction in the cost of these services.
• Classification Reviews - Conducted market and staffing research for Administrative Services, Parks and Recreation, Information Systems, Energy and Public Works.
• Minimum Wage Increase - Updated City policy and posters in conjunction with the increase of the Federal Minimum Wage to $6.55 per hour.  Increased the base pay of 110 Official/Referee positions to ensure compliance with the new Federal standard.
• Benefits Education Provided - Education was provided through numerous meetings, orientations, one-on-one counseling, email, newsletters and various other written materials to help employees better understand and utilize their benefits.
• Promoted Employee Morale and Teamwork - The Wellness program sponsored participation in the Provo Corporate Challenge. 113 participants competed in 15 events.  Provo City took 3rd place.  The City also sponsored a successful employee bowling tournament and two employee blood drive.

• Velosum Parking System - Piloted and implemented a new parking solution called Velosum.  The new system automates the parking ticket process which allows tickets to appear online in real time with photo documentation attached.  One great benefit of this system was the added ability for the public to pay their tickets online.  The system also automates DMV information to help enforce and collect tickets.  This new system has streamlined how parking tickets are handled in Provo City which has been a benefit to both the staff and the public.
• New Positions Increase Efficiency - Hired a Warrants Officer and Collection Clerk, both of which have been very beneficial.  The warrants officer works with citizens daily to resolve their warrants and teaches the traffic school program.  The collection clerk works daily on the outstanding accounts receivable for the courts as well as the central billing.  These positions help with the overall efficiency of the court by working on the enforcement of outstanding warrants and accounts receivable.
• Electronic Streaming of Citations - Through the efforts of the IS Department, Police Department and the Court, we are now able to receive citations issued by police officers electronically.  This has streamlined the ticket process and has alleviated the requirement that these tickets be manually entered into the court computer system.
• Mental Health Court Sessions - Expanded the weekly mental health court session for citizens who have significant mental illness and would benefit from this specialized court.
• Court Calendars - Continued to adjust court calendars so that they are responsive to the growing case load and specific needs of the community.  This year the zoning calendar has been expanded to address specific zoning violations and monitor the progress of these cases. 
• Management of Case Load - The Court staff has set a goal to be able to keep trial schedules within 8-12 weeks.  The staff has been able to maintain this goal even with a dramatic increase in case load since July.  The staff has continued to work very hard with current resources to efficiently manage the increase in case load without sacrificing details of cases or customer service.

• Utah Public Notice Website - As of 1 October 2008 notices for all City public bodies were required by UCA 52-4-202(3)(I)(B), Open and Public Meetings Act, to be posted on the Utah Public Notice Website.  Training was attended and posters for different City public bodies were identified.  The City is in full compliance with the requirement and notices are posted to the website on a regular and timely basis.

• Interim Transit Oriented Development- Presented an Interim Transit Oriented Development ordinance to the Planning Commission
• Issuance of Building Permits - Issued over 100 building permits for commercial construction with a value of over $90,000,000.  Approximately 250 zone verification letters were issued.
• Outstanding Achievement Award - Received the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Historic Preservation for the Provo City Landmarks Commission’s Summer Tour and Reception.
• Processing Appeals and Variances - 19 Appeals and 22 Variance requests were processed to the Board of Adjustments.
• Improved Public Relations - Continued to focus on public relations by being more proactive with neighborhood representatives.  Held meetings, provided written reports, and provided opportunities for field trips when neighborhood chairs desired them.
• Review of  Zoning Enforcement Cases - Over 1,743 zoning enforcement cases were reviewed.
• Streamline of Enforcement Process - Used the Justice Court with great effect as a tool in the resolution of zoning enforcement cases.
• Building Inspectors - More Combination Certified building inspectors and building inspectors with more individual certifications than ever before.
• Award of Merit - Received the Utah Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Award for Merit for out Historic Resources Online Interactive Map.
• Review of Rental Dwelling Licenses - Approximately 908 Rental Dwelling Licenses were reviewed during the year.
• Review of Business Licenses - Reviewed and approved over 700 business licenses.
• Conditional Use Permit Hearings - 36 Conditional Use Permit Hearings were held.
• Preparation of Administrative Enforcement Hearings - 20 cases were prepared for Administrative Enforcement hearings.
• Sign Regulations - Rewrote the Central Business Districts’ sign regulations.
• Management of Rezoning Applications - 11 rezonings were handled.
• Wireless Scheduling Program - Completed and implemented a new wireless scheduling program for building inspections which has allowed us to be more efficient in the field.
• Design of an Intermodal Hub site - Working with Mountainland Association of Governments and the Utah Transit Authority on the design of the Intermodal Hub site for use by Commuter Rail and Bus Rapid Transit.
• Bus Rapid Transit system - Worked to define a route for the new Bus Rapid Transit system scheduled to start operations in 2012.
• Improvement of Development Review Process - The development review process has continued to improve and is now totally digital
• Building Permit Applications - Application for building permits can now be made on the City website.
• Approval of New Subdivision - 26 new subdivisions were approved.
   

• Announced the Duncan Aviation Western Regional Center at the Provo City Municipal Airport culminating two years of work.
• Construction of an initial 125,000 square foot maintenance facility with 125 jobs to begin in 2009.
• It is estimated the facility will employ 650 people with 350,000 square feet of building consisting of office,  warehouse, paint facility and maintenance hangars.
• Secured property for road access from Center Street to the Duncan Aviation site.
• Prepared the draft Aviation Services Community Development Project Area Plan for the Duncan Aviation project financing.  Anticipate the Plan will be adopted early in 2009.
• Received funding support from Utah County, Provo City School District, and other taxing entities.

• Received the Certificate of Completion at the Mountain Vista Business Center - completing a process that began with a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement signed by Provo City, the Utah Department of Environmental Quality and the US Steel Group.
• Action Target broke ground and commenced construction of a new, state-of-the-art target manufacturing facility in the Mountain Vista Business Center.  This facility will be three times larger than the existing one.
•  Recorded the Environmental CC & R’s at the Mountain Vista Business Center - which required the cooperation, agreement and signature of Provo City and four additional property owners.
• Recorded the Mountain Vista Business Center Private Property Ownership Business Association CC & R’s.
• Completed the land sale of the first property transaction at the Mountain Vista Business Center with Action Target Inc. a metal products manufacturer.
• Completed and recorded the first subdivision plat for the Mountain Vista Business Center - creating three 10-acre parcels.

• Secured a Storm Water Prevention Pollution Plan for the grading modifications at the East Bay Golf Course in association with the Southgate Retail Center.
• Received a 404 permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers for the dredging and filling of Waters of the United States associated with the Southgate Retail Center and modifications of the East Bay Golf Course.
• Received a Jurisdictional Determination from the US Army Corps of Engineers for East Bay Golf Course - a document that characterizes the types and quantities of wetlands.
• Received a Jurisdictional Determination from the US Army Corps of Engineers for the Despain Ranch Mitigation area - a document that characterizes the types and quantities of wetlands.
• Successfully entered into a Voluntary Cleanup Agreement with the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Provo City and the Boyer Company.  As a part of this process a Site Characterization was submitted and approved by UDEQ.  Both documents address environmental concerns associated with development a former landfill into commercial property.
• Exchanged easements with UDOT - Provo City granted an easement to UDOT for future off ramp expansion, UDOT relinquished a 40-year easement.

• Entered into a Joint Development Agreement with the project developer.  Under this agreement, the Redevelopment Agency will provide property tax increment generated by the project to help offset extraordinary project costs, e.g., cost of erecting a parking structure.
• At year’s end, building footings and foundations are nearing completion and steel erection will begin soon.

• Negotiated a Purchase and Sale Agreement governing the sale and granting of various RDA and City parcels to the project.
• University Tower developer undertook exterior restoration of the historic Knight Block and located a new restaurant on the ground floor of the Knight Block at Center and University, Provo’s traditional “100 percent corner.”

• Made the final payment on the Food & Care property and received title to the property.  Food and Care began construction on its new headquarters and will vacate the old site in mid-2009.
• Entered into an agreement with Utah County for the transfer of the Food and Care and Mountainlands Community Health Center properties to Utah County.
• Assisted the County with the acquisition of the remainder of the convention center site by executing an agreement with the seller of this property whereby the RDA will provide alternative parking for the remaining building on the block.
• With Utah County, obtained an update of the original 2005 convention center feasibility analysis.  The update determined the market for a downtown convention center remains solid.
• Obtained architect proposals for a Conceptual Design Study.

• Undertook the Downtown Strategic Plan to establish a vision for Downtown Provo and to set forth a full range of specific objectives, strategies, and actions to carry out that vision.  At year’s end, the Plan was about to go to press.
•  Monitored the Downtown Business Alliance performance under the 2007 Economic Development Activities Agreement with the City.

• Completed RDA purchase of the Weston property (NE corner of the block).
• Marketed the block as a site for a new Downtown hotel.

• New Downtown Parking Structure - Submitted an application to HUD for an EDI grant to assist with development of another Downtown parking structure.
• Consulted on the planning for the Provo Frontrunner (commuter rail) station.
• Contributed to City policy development regarding bus rapid transit and transit-oriented development along future Downtown transit corridors.
• Negotiated the purchase and sale of other Downtown properties for redevelopment, some of which should be ready to go public early in 2009.

• Coordinated with the Neighborhood Coordinator to develop training information for the healthy neighborhoods program to be implemented in 2009.
• Established a marketing committee through CNRCC to market the Pioneer neighborhoods.
• Better neighbor ads.  Electronic copy given to all CNRCC Neighborhood Chairs.  Also available on City website.
• Monthly ad in City Update Newsletter promoting the Pioneer Neighborhoods and the loan programs.
• Live-Work-Play program developed to promote loan programs to employers and employees of downtown Provo.
• New video promoting Pioneer Neighborhoods, new Rural Housing Maeser project video started.  Video is available on City channel 17 and on the City website.
• New and updated brochures promoting Pioneer Neighborhoods and loan programs.
• Loan programs promoted at City Service and Benefits Fair.
• Board of Realtors lunch and tour of the neighborhoods.
• Foreclosure Prevention Campaign - Began a foreclosure prevention campaign to increase awareness of community resources available to help those in financial difficulty.  Obtained foreclosure prevention public service announcement’s for the City channel and other public information in the form of brochures and posters. 
• Drafted a letter for the Mayor to send to all local clergy.  Made presentations at different organizations such as the Exchange Club, hospital and Board of Realtors about this subject.
• Preserve America Designation - Submitted the required application and Provo City was designated a Preserve America Community.
• Home Ownership in the Pioneer Neighborhoods - In partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of Provo there are nine either new or rehabilitated homes in the Pioneer Neighborhoods of Provo available for home ownership.  Through NHS and the Redevelopment Agency up to $40,000 of down-payment assistance is available for these nine homes.  The Equity Share Loan program was modified that future down-payment assistance through this program will be $20,000.
• Processing of Home Ownership Loans - The Redevelopment Agency completed 13 Home Purchase Plus loans and two Own in Provo loans to assist 15 home buyers in the Pioneer Neighborhoods.  One owner occupied rehabilitation loan was processed and three emergency rehabilitation grants were processed.
• Neighborhood Sidewalk Replacement - Funded replacement of over 60,000 linear feet of sidewalk in CDBG targeted areas.

• Approved four new companies into the BDC Portfolio. $220,000 in combined loan approvals.
• Five BDC Portfolio Companies paid off existing loans. $400,000 in combined initial loan disbursements.
• Combined funding since 1989: over $5,000,000.  Estimated local economic impact: over $17,000,000.
• Over 180 jobs created since 2003.  Over 1,200 jobs created since 1989.
• BDC Trustee Changes - Kim Brown and Brent Strong retired.  Jim Fitch, Kim Scoville, and Shauna Theobald were appointed to the Board.
• BDCX - Accelerator Forum: Presented 11 monthly workshops to the CEO’s of BDC portfolio companies and others on a wide range of topics of interest to entrepreneurs.
• Volunteer BDC Board Trustees provided over 25 hours of mentoring visits and due diligence reviews for startup businesses.
• Two BDC Portfolio Companies were presented Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum’s “Top 25 Under 5" award.  (Top 25 companies under 5 years old).
• Novell OSTC - Business Incubator is home to over 13 companies, employing over 140 people averaging salaries between $40,000 and $120,000.  Of the 11 active BDC Portfolio companies 3 are located in the OSTC.  Total combined BDC invested into these companies is $200,000.
• Cultivated alliances with Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF), UtahAngels, BYU Center of Entrepreneurship and BYU Technology Transfer Office.

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
• HOME Investment Partnerships Grant.
• American Dream Initiatives grant.
• Economic Development Initiatives home ownership grant.
• Utah Valley Consortium of Cities and County
• Managed/maintained eight properties owned by the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City.

• Continued recording business visits and information gathered.
•  Made 135 business visits.
•  Responded to 70 requests for information, completed 47 requests for information from the Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCU).
• Continued to record requests for information from EDCU and update project information.
• Conducted 3 site visits with prospective relocating companies

• Completed the acquisition of a street right-of-way for access to the expansion of the airport for Duncan Aviation.
• Completed the acquisition of property for the expansion of 200 North Street.
• Completed the sale of property to Action Target in the Mountain Vista Business Center.
• Managed the contract for the demolition of the houses at the new Joaquin Park site and 700 South Street expansion.
• Reconciled the real property assets list with the records in the Finance Department.
• Negotiated several lease agreements for cell tower sites on Provo City property.
• Negotiated several site location agreements with various film crews using the old county jail site.
• Maintained over 1,200 property files on Provo City property.
• Completed over 45 project requiring administrative approval through real property conveyance (Quit Claim Deeds, Boundary Line Agreements, Easements, etc.).
• Directed real estate agent professionals in various property acquisitions.
• Managed 15 lease agreements on property owned by Provo City.

• Maintenance of Existing/Competitive Rates - Rates continued to be offered at their current levels for the 20th consecutive year. 
• Sale of iProvo - Successfully completed sale of iProvo to Broadweave.
• Outage Management System / Interactive Voice Recognition - Continue to improve system to help handle payments, offer better customer service and improve response time to power outages.
• Magnasync Recording Software - Installed recording software for documentation and training purposes at the City’s customer service and call center.
• Energy Dispatch Center - All technicians are trained and able to cover a 24/7 operation.
• Implementation of New Customer Information System - Implemented a new Customer Information System.
• Northwest Section Annexation - Annexed northwest section of Orem City and converted from Rocky Mountain Power to Provo Power.
• Substation Upgrades - Upgraded control equipment in two substations.
• Underground Transformer Vaults - Eliminated underground transformer vaults for safety and improved reliability.

• The Provo Airport Fire Station quarters were opened in January 2008 at the new Airport Operations Center.

• All personnel re-certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Providers (PEPP)
• Suppression Crews acquired Wild Land Certification (Red Card)
• Completed Hearing Tests & Department Annual Physicals
• 21 paramedics re-certified with the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services
• Three days of Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) evolutions was conducted for all crew members
• Department training on Left Ventricular Assist Device from the LVAD team at Intermountain Health Care (IHC)

• Utah Valley Regional Medical Center Trauma Conference - Provo Fire & Rescue Compromise-sponsored the 1st Annual UVRMC Trauma Conference with guests Miss Utah, Jill Stevens and Coach LaVell Edwards as the keynote speaker.
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week - The Department celebrated EMS Week with a breakfast provided by the administration and the City Council and Mayor recognized the Department with a proclamation presented in Council meeting on May 6, 2008.
• Implementation of EZ IO Intraosseous Placement System - The Department implemented the EZ IO intraosseous placement system.
• Evaluation of Fire Suppression - The Insurance Services Office (ISO) evaluated the Department’s Fire Suppression capabilities.
• Freedom Festival - Participated in the Freedom Festival providing medics, and a staffed rescue for the Grant Parade.  Three paramedic teams and the EMS Coordinator provided coverage during the Stadium of Fire.
• New Command Structure - A new command structure was proposed and implemented for BYU Football Games.  A Battalion Chief is now assigned as stadium command and is part of the Unified Command Structure.
• National Fire Prevention Week - In conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, the Department participated in the Community Services Fair at Provo Towne Centre.  The Learn Not To Burn Trailer, Urban Search and Rescue Trailer, fire engine and ambulance, hose relay, burn tree demonstrations, and educational brochures and pamphlets provided fire and life safety information to children and adults attending the event.
• Fire Station 2 Remodel - Fire Station 2 kitchen remodel was designed and built by station personnel.
• Provided Training - FF/Paramedics provided training on the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) placed in the City Gym and held an Extrication Class at Western Metals
• Updated Equipment - Purchased 70 new Sperian airpacks with FEMA grant monies that meet NFPA standards, replacing 12-year-old ISI airpacks currently in use.  A large volume Smoke Ejector Fan was also purchased using LEPC grant funds, which will provide Provo City and Utah County the ability to remove smoke from “Large Box” businesses.

• Automated Help Desk - Deployed an automated help desk capability for IS expandable City-wide.
• Creation of Geographic Information System - Deployed map.provo.org on the Internet providing information and resources about property, the community or Provo City in general.
• Upgraded Data Center - Upgraded the data center to over 100 virtual servers, many operating in a high-availability environment, improving reliability and saving capital, electricity and management costs.
• Remote Access for Community Development - Created remote access (laptop or handheld) for zoning enforcement, rental violations, building inspections, etc.
• Integration of Casefile - Successfully integrated casefile with the GIS database to verify addresses.
• Justice Court Improvements - Successfully deployed electronic parking tickets, citations and traffic accident reports including delivery of information to the Justice Court system.
• Integration of 911 System - Integrated 911 phone system with CAD to eliminate manual typing of name, address, phone number, etc.
• Creation of Wireless Networks - Created wireless networks in Council Chambers, Council Offices, Legal and select conference rooms without compromising City network or servers.
• SAN Upgrade - Upgraded SAN to 11 Terabytes and converted from fibre channel to iSCSI technology.
• City Center Phone System Upgrade - Upgraded voice mail hardware and software and phone switch hardware at the City Center.
• Call Center Improvements- Deployed call recording system for City call center for training and quality improvement.  Also added voice recognition system and electricity outage management systems to the Call Center.
• Upgraded Applications - Upgraded GIS applications and database to ESRI 9.3 and Oracle 10g.
• Retired Servers - Retired expensive-to-maintain RISC servers and obsolete SAN.
• Video Surveillance System - Designed and implemented an in-house video surveillance system utilizing open-source and custom programming, and high quality standards based hardware.  This technology saves 2/3 the cost of previous video solutions and shortens the time to deploy to minutes instead of weeks.
• Automated Purchase Card Reconciliation System - Automated purchase card log system including electronic download of bank transactions.
• Improvements for Ice Arena - Provided Internet, City network, and phone services to the Ice Arena.
• Energy Department Server Improvement - Upgraded air conditioning in the Energy Department server room.
• Upgrade of Energy Website - Upgraded Energy website to improve security and move toward PCI compliance.
• Upgrade Utility System - Upgraded utility customer information and billing system to latest version, including integration with credit card payment system.

• Sale of iProvo - Assisted with the negotiation, sale and closing of iProvo to Broadweave Networks.
• Seven Peaks Ice Sheet - Provided legal support for the settlement of Seven Peaks Ice Sheet Litigation.
• 4800 North Litigation - Obtained favorable and final rulings by the Utah Court of Appeals and the Utah Supreme Court in the 4800 North eminent domain litigation.
• Civil Right’s Lawsuit - Obtained dismissal with prejudice of Patton Civil Right’s lawsuit by U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Traveler’s Inn Litigation - Successfully mediated a resolution of the Traveler’s Inn eminent domain litigation.
• Rock Canyon Litigation - Obtained favorable and final ruling by Utah Supreme Court dismissing Davis’ annexation claim in the Rock Canyon litigation.
• Utah Lake Commission - Provided legal counsel to Utah Lake Commission including the negotiation of URS Utah Lake Management Plan Consulting Contract.
• Lease of Landfill Property - Obtained a favorable settlement of SITLA lawsuit that provides City and South Utah Valley Solid Waste District with revised and clarified lease of landfill property.
• Provo City Money Purchase Retirement Plan - Assisted with the restatement and termination of the Provo City Money Purchase Retirement Plan.
• Mountain Vista Business Center - Assisted with the Action Commercial Park, LLC, real estate purchase agreement at Mountain Vista Business Center and issuance of industrial revenue bonds.
• Legal Counsel for Provo Airport - Provided legal counsel regarding Duncan Aviation Project and a legal opinion regarding subleasing of hangars at Provo Airport.
• Justice Court - Assisted with the re-certification of Provo City Justice Court and reappointment of Justice Court judge.
• Prosecution of Class A Misdemeanors - Assumed County Attorney responsibility for prosecution of 544 Class A criminal misdemeanor cases in District Court.
• Prosecution of Class B, C and Infraction Cases - Prosecuted 3,037 Class B, Class C and Infraction criminal cases in Justice Court (does not include routine traffic cases).
• Zoning Enforcement - Assisted with zoning enforcement including filing 114 cases in Justice Court.
• Drafted Legal Opinions- Drafted various ordinances, opinions and policies including an Administrative Policy Prohibiting Smoking in certain parks.
• Settlement of Personal Injury Litigation - Settled the Amonson personal injury litigation.  The claim was for $100,000, Provo City contributed $15,000 towards a total $45,000 settlement.
• County Convention Center Development - Provided legal counsel regarding City and RDA participation in County Convention Center development.
• Southgate Development Contracts - Assisted in negotiating Southgate development contracts with Boyer, Target and Nature’s Sunshine.
• New Deputy City Attorney - Hired Robert Trombly to replace David Dixon who retired as Deputy City Attorney with more than 18 years of distinguished service.
   

• Number of Items Circulated - 1,646,180 items were circulated through the Library - a new record.  Circulation increased by 12% over 2007.  Nearly 85% of items checked out were on our new self check units.
• Hosting of Meetings - Approximately 1,391 meetings and events were facilitated for public, City and library use.
• New Children’s Programs - Began a new Mother/Daughter Book Club, initiated a new Family Literacy Symposium with guest speaker author Mary Leonhardt and a new Provo Children’s Book Festival with keynote speaker author/illustrator Gerald McDermott.
• Presentation of Children’s Programs - Sponsored  812 regular storytimes, programs and outreach with 61,795 in attendance.  Hosted the annual Fairy Teas program and registered 4,633 children in the summer reading program.
• Adult Programs - Partnered with Utah State University in a “Love of Food” series.  Added public computer classes to the existing classes, including blogging, wikis, family history, and Spanish web classes.  Also hosted the Annual Fiesta Navidena in December with over 1,000 in attendance.  Teen and adult summer reading program participation increased by 17% in 2008.
• Staff Member Participation - Staff members were involved in professional associations and program presentations including national participation.
• Increase in Library Collection Items - Approximately 33,567 were added to the Library’s collection.
• New Patrons - Added over 8,435 new borrowers to the patron database.
• System Upgrades - Replaced eight-year-old Managed Switches across library departments, helping to solve network traffic problems and increase overall speed capabilities. Expanded the Bluesocket network to the second and third floor meeting rooms. Moved the children’s public Internet computers to a self service system, enforcing time limits without extensive staff involvement.  And secured/isolated staff and public networks for greater data security.
• Website Enhancement - Continued to improve the website including online personal reading recommendations, summer reading patron book reviews, staff book reviews, online book club requests, and other new features.
• Receipt of Grant - Received a grant for $7,632 to fund a Provo Historical Photographs Digitization Project.
• “Provo Reads” - Continued  “Provo Reads” campaign with partner Provo School District.
• Committees & Projects - Director Gene Nelson was appointed to the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Committee.  Director Nelson recently completed a three-year tenure as chair of Project Read and concluded work on the National Arbuthnot Lecture.

• Sherwood Hillside Park - Sherwood Hillside Park in northeast Provo was completed and open to the public.
• Provo Gun Range Improvements - Finished improvements to the Provo Gun Range by adding a covered firing line on the pistol and rifle ranges.
• Park Designs - Completed park designs for Lakeview Park, Bicentennial Park expansion, Joaquin Park and a new water feature at Pioneer Park.
• Slate Canyon Trail Head - The rough grade for the road leading to the Slate Canyon Trail Head and utility designs were completed.
• Activities Grant - Obtained a Utah County Community Activities Grant.  Purchased new portable soccer goals, installed a new outfield fence at the Footprinters Park softball complex and erected a new decorative iron fence around Pioneer Village in North Park.
• Property Maintenance- Continued maintenance of parks, cemetery and golf course at quality levels higher than ever before.
• Wage Increases - Wages for seasonal park maintenance workers and lifeguards were enhanced to be in line with the current market.
• Improved Safe Work Practices - Improved employee safety record and cost savings with over 1.6 million hours without a time loss accident.  Continue to promote safe work practices and training.
• Completion of Angel Garden - Completed a new interment section at the cemetery called “Angel Garden” for about 460 future infant burials.
• Reserve at East Bay Golf Course Renovation - The Reserve at East Bay Golf Course renovation project got underway with the construction of an upgraded driving range with new posts, netting, irrigation system and drainage.  A new irrigation pump station and building for the entire golf course irrigation system was constructed.  Excavation began on the Kuhni property to create three new golf holes.
• New Mascot - The Parks and Recreation Department unveiled their new mascot, Zippy, who has become a real hit with children at all major department events.
• Covey Center for the Arts - The Covey Center for the Arts completed an exceptional first year of operation with higher than anticipated use.
• Community Recreation Center Feasibility Study - Completed a major portion of a new community recreation center feasibility study.
• Pool Enhancements - Enhanced filtration and UV sanitation systems were installed at the Veterans Memorial Pool and the Provo Recreation Center to combat the concern over the cryptosporidium outbreak last year throughout the State.
• Veterans Memorial Pool - Attendance numbers at the Veterans Memorial Pool continue to be very high with the facility covering virtually 100% of its maintenance and operation costs.
• Ice Arena  - The Recreation Division took over the management and operation of the Utah County/Provo City Ice Arena at Seven Peaks in November 2008.
• Improvements at The Center - The Center activity rooms and skate park were remodeled and gym floor refinished.
• Community Events - Community-wide special events continue to be very successful and well attended.  Events held this year included: Easter Egg Hunt, Blue Sky Concert Series, Summer Band Series, Pioneer Day Extravaganza, Movies in the Park, Halloween Carnival, Dart the Turkey, Winterfest events including the Lights On Celebration, Candy Window Unveiling, Santa’s Candy Land Christmas Parade and First Night Provo 2009.
• New Rental Policies and Procedures- Implemented new sports field rental policies and developed new coaching policies and brochures.
• Growth in Youth and Adult Sports Programs - Registered 6,573 children for youth sports, 7,388 adult for adult sports teams.  Also processed 1,143 park reservations.
• Provo Senior Games - Conducted a successful 5th Annual Nu Skin Provo Senior Games event.

• Reduction in Traffic Accidents - Traffic accidents were reduced during the first five months that the Traffic Enforcement Team was fully staffed.
• Assignment of New Gang Officer - With the rise of graffiti and gang activity in Provo and Utah County, Officer Chet Whatcott was assigned as a gang officer and works closely with the School Resource Officers and members of the Community Oriented Policing Unit (COP).
• Pedestrian Safety Campaign - Established a Pedestrian Safety Campaign with overtime grant monies.  The campaign included providing information to the public concerning pedestrian safety via the media, as well as enforcement.
• Improved Shooting Training Program - Purchased a LaserShot shooting simulator to better train officers in actual deadly-force scenarios.
• TA/Citation System - Implemented new system cutting time spent on accidents and citations.  When the interface is completed, it will improve efficiency and eliminate duplication when entering and filing reports and citations.
• New Parking Citation System - Began using new parking citation system which is faster for the officers and includes a better method of collecting fines, including online payment.
• Addition to Dispatch Center - Added the CityWatch system to the Provo City Dispatch Center allowing dispatchers to quickly, accurately and automatically send emergency and informational messages to thousands of contacts via phone, text messaging, fax, pager and email.
• Improved Digital Evidence Storage - Dedicated a computer to handling digital video and photo evidence increasing the security, integrity and efficiency of storing digital evidence.
• Senior Dispatch Staff - At the end of 2008 there are 16 full-time dispatchers with over 3 years of service, making this the most Senior Dispatchers to ever be employed by Provo City.  Three more will soon be eligible making the total 19 of 24 total dispatchers.  There is a vast amount of experience currently possessed by the dispatchers who are responsible for handling emergency situations and dispatch emergency personnel to assist the citizens of Provo.
• Office Remodeling - Due to the privacy needed by the Special Victims Unit the office space utilized part time by the Major Crimes Task Force was remodeled to provide more privacy when working on sensitive cases.  The Criminal Investigation Division main office was also remodeled more effectively utilizing the office space available.
• Criminal Investigation Division - In 2008 the Criminal Investigation Division was involved in numerous investigations that yielded multiple arrest and returned property to victims, including arresting a masked gunman who forced his way into three different pharmacies and demanded controlled medication and two individuals who robbed the Utah Valley Credit Union.

• 1700 North & Columbia Lane Roundabout - Intersection and safety improvements were made to the intersection of 1700 North and Columbia Lane, including installation of a roundabout and pedestrian crossings on all approaches to the intersection.  This project also included the connection of sidewalk and street improvements along the west side of Columbia Lane north of 1700 North.  The center island of the roundabout was landscaped in a cooperative effort with the Parks Department.
• 2008 Road Rehab Project - The 2008 Road Rehab Project resurfaced several major streets in the City including Foothill Drive, Quail Valley Drive, Columbia Lane and Canyon Road.  This project also included the installation of the pavement markings on these streets to improve traffic safety.
• Provo Westside Connector - The environmental document for the Provo Westside Connector Project has made significant progress during 2008 and has narrowed the alternatives being considered to two alignments which would connect from the University Avenue Interchange at I-15 to the entrance of the Provo Airport on 3110 West.  Work is continuing to identify the environmental impacts of these alignment alternatives.
• Neighborhood Improvement Project - The focus of this project this year was the Timpanogos and Joaquin Neighborhoods.  This project involved the removal and replacement of broken, settled and deteriorating sidewalks.  The project also included the installation of new handicap accessible pedestrian ramps at several intersections in this area.
• Bicycle Lanes - Bicycle lanes were installed on several streets to improve bicycle safety.  The major streets where bicycle lanes were added or extended include the following streets: Foothill Drive, Quail Valley Drive, Canyon Road, Columbia Lane and 1930 North.
• 2100 North & Stadium Lane - This project has recently been completed and provides pedestrian access from Stadium Lane to 2100 North and also included landscaping to help beautify an area which has been a problem for the neighborhood.  Coordination with the contractor, neighbors and other City departments helped to make this project a success.
• 920 South - University Avenue to 500 West Project - This project included widening of 920 South between Freedom Boulevard and 500 West, intersection improvements at 500 West and University Avenue and resurfacing of 920 South Street.
• South State Street Sidewalk Improvements - Funding was acquired and design has been completed to install sidewalk along the east side of State Street from approximately 1860 South to California Avenue, where sidewalk does not currently exist.  Construction will begin in February of 2009 and be completed in the summer of 2009.

• Completion of New T-Hangars - The erection of 16 T-hangars and the taxiway were largely accomplished with Public Works in-house work force.
• Airport Parking Lot - Completed a 92-stall parking lot on Mike Jense Parkway near the Million Air  terminal.  This project was a joint project with Million Air, which was accomplished through the efforts of Public Works, Energy and Parks in-house work force.  This project was completed with the use of recycled asphalt materials from our Street overlay project that made up the base material for the entire parking lot.
• Recycling - Recycling continues to grow.  Over the last five years, Yard Waste Recycling has grown from 2231 households subscribing to 4136 households in November 2008.  During this same period, Blue Container Recycling has more than doubled from 1592 households to 3540 households.
• Fuel Efficiency - Fleet Services is leading an effort to make the City Fleet more fuel efficient.  Parts of the program include implementing a new idling reduction policy and reviewing all equipment and vehicle purchases to ensure the most fuel efficient equipment is purchased for operational requirements.

• Mountain Vista Business Center Improvements - Designed and constructed ground water collection improvements for the Mountain Vista Business Center.
• Utah Lake Master Plan Support - Provided technical support to the Utah Lake Commission and its consultant in the preparation of the Utah Lake Master Plan.
• Storm Water Quality Permit Education - Implemented public education and public information elements of Provo’s Storm Water Quality Permit (a storm water quality presentation to every 4th grade class in Provo schools, and the identification and sign installation at major storm water outfalls).
• Slate Canyon Debris Flow Channel - Designed an initial construction of the Slate Canyon Debris Flow channel.

• Forced Main Replacement - Replaced 2000 ft. of forced main with 12-inch gravity main to better serve Mountain Vista Business Park.
• Wastewater Collection System Master Plan - Completed update of Wastewater Collection System Master Plan designed to support orderly “westside” development.
• Sherwood Hills Booster Pump Station - Designed and constructed Sherwood Hills Booster Pump Station providing “backup” water supply to upper Sherwood Hills area.
• Temple Weir House Reconstruction - Awarded the contract for the reconstruction of the Temple Weir House designed to upgrade aesthetically and provide seismic sustainability to this critical facility.
• Water and Sewer Rates - Provided efficient and dependable water and sewer service to residents utilizing rates that are the lowest in Utah County.  The average water and sewer rates in Utah County are 81.6% and 53.5% higher respectively than Provo’s water and sewer rates.