Mark Johnson

The meeting commenced with an invocation, followed by a presentation of the annual audit report from the finance department. The auditor confirmed a clean opinion on the financial statements for the period ending June 30th, noting several audit adjustments related to timing issues such as payroll recording and inventory classification, which were documented as a significant deficiency in internal control but were not considered major errors. The single audit report confirmed compliance with federal funds expenditure thresholds, with major programs including pressurized irrigation meter installation and the flight park well project. Following the audit, a presentation was given on the results of the annual citizen survey conducted in collaboration with Y2 Analytics. Key survey findings indicated high resident satisfaction with the overall quality of life (78% recommendation rate, average score of 75/100), while noting a downward trend in trust for elected officials, which was contextualized as a general attitude toward government. Top concerns identified were growth and infrastructure impacts, particularly rush hour traffic. City services generally scored above 50, with power services scoring 79/100. Residents showed a preference for email communication, though print media should be maintained. Topics residents most wished to hear about included construction/traffic updates, utility interruptions, and emergency alerts.

The meeting began with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, noting this was the last meeting of the year and was held in a new building. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the November 18, 2025 and December 2, 2025 meetings. The council proceeded with presentations from candidates interviewing to fill a vacancy on the city council seat. Candidates discussed various priorities including improving communication between the council and residents, accelerating economic development, improving transportation, funding the police department, building sidewalks, protecting green space, managing housing supply and density, and promoting civic life. Departing council members were also recognized for their service.

The meeting commenced with roll call confirming all council members were present, followed by the pledge of allegiance. Public comments covered several topics: strong support for the continuation and enhancement of protected bike lanes (cycle tracks) on 700 South and Center Street, citing safety benefits for families and improved quality of life; a notification regarding discounted tickets for local residents to see 'Forever Plaid' and 'Fiddler on the Roof' at the Ruth and Nathan Hail Theater; concerns regarding traffic safety and lack of adequate protection for children due to high vehicle speeds in the 1900 expansion area; and a presentation advocating for the adoption of Blaze 360 software to improve community risk reduction and emergency preparedness through 360-degree digital documentation of commercial occupancies. Additionally, a representative from the Western States Council of Carpenters union expressed a desire to work with the city regarding fair employment practices. The council unanimously approved the consent agenda. A public hearing was held for Ordinance 03-2026 concerning transportation impact fees, which involved a presentation detailing the proposed fee increase from $121.79 to $146.87 per trip, with a recommendation to revisit the fee every two to three years for inflation adjustment. The council subsequently voted to adopt the ordinance, including the two-year review clause. Finally, the council considered a resolution approving an amendment with RME for the construction of the sky substation.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the 2026 planning commission meeting schedule. The consent agenda involved reviewing and approving the minutes from the October 23rd and November 13th, 2025 meetings, with corrections noted regarding member attendance and voting records. The primary discussion centered on Item 4.1, the Boyd Stewart Plat A amendment, which involved shifting a lot line to accommodate an existing home addition and meet required street frontage; this was approved despite concerns raised by neighbors regarding fence placement and potential property usage. The commission also held a public hearing for Item 4.2, the Spur Ranch concept plan for a 14-lot residential development proposing lots smaller than current zoning/general plan minimums, requiring a future general plan amendment; the commission provided feedback on the concept and lot sizes, while connectivity stubbing to adjacent Transitional Holding (TH) zoned land was discussed.

The public hearing concerns the proposed issuance of Sales Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2025B, to finance the acquisition, construction, expansion, and equipping of a science and technology building, remodeling of the existing Show Barn, and other improvements at Thanksgiving Point Institute. The hearing provides an opportunity for interested individuals to express their views on the bond issuance and the nature and location of the facilities being financed.