Steve Alsop

The meeting agenda included coordination with the Historical Society, discussion of a walk-through video of historic homes, updates regarding the National Register of Historic Places nominations, participation in America 250, planning for Juneteenth events, updates on Walking Tour Brochures distribution, research on Draper Ethnic and Minority History, and a status update on the Widowmaker Plaque. Commission assignments for inventory updates, oral histories grant opportunities, and general research tasks were also reviewed.

Key discussions included the introduction of new committee members and a new arborist, whose role and budget utilization were debated. City project updates covered scheduling for the adoption of new planting specifications and proactive code enforcement regarding street tree care on major thoroughfares, including the status of Sycamores on Timoney Street. Regarding public education, follow-up occurred on 'Tree Talks' and the 'Localscapes' plan, with emphasis on promoting Localscapes over rock landscaping to improve city appearance and temperature regulation, referencing examples from Salt Lake City and Herriman. Budget discussions involved the use of private donor funds for parks, dead tree replacement, and beautification projects, as well as potential tree planting at the disc golf course utilizing the disc golf association's budget.

The key discussion topics included conducting public hearings and considering administrative and legislative items. Administrative items involved reviewing and potentially approving minutes from previous meetings (December 11 and December 18, 2025). Public hearings covered a Conditional Use Permit request for a fence exceeding the standard height at 373 E. Draper Downs Dr., a Site Plan request for the expansion of an auto sales business at Velocity Corner Sales, a City-Initiated Highland Boundary Adjustment Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendment Request, and a Site Plan and Deviation Request for the Highpointe Office Building II, which was continued. Legislative items included a City Initiated Highland Boundary Adjustment Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendment Request, which was continued, and a City-Initiated Geologic Hazards Ordinance Text Amendment, which received a positive recommendation to the City Council. Other business included a discussion on coordination between City Staff and the Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission addressed several items, beginning with a public hearing and subsequent approval of a Conditional Use Permit for Elite Esthetics to operate a Trade/Vocational School, ensuring adequate parking was available. The Commission also approved an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit for Sunshine Preschool to increase the number of students per session, consistent with recent municipal code changes. A request for a Site Plan and Deviation for the Highpointe Office Building II was continued to a date uncertain. For the Bangerter Crossroads Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendment Requests, the Commission voted to forward a negative recommendation to the City Council, citing concerns about disharmony with the existing development character and adverse effects on adjacent property due to inadequate facilities and services, particularly regarding traffic impact. Similarly, the Commission voted to forward a negative recommendation on the associated Openshaw Draper 138 Land Use Map and Zoning Map Amendment Requests, based on similar findings related to character, adjacent property effects, and inadequate facilities and services, although one Commissioner noted fewer transitional concerns for that specific parcel. A final item regarding a Pinnacle Towers Conditional Use Permit Amendment was continued to a future meeting.

Key discussions included coordinating efforts with the Draper Historical Society regarding inventory assistance. The Commission approved the draft meeting schedule for 2026, which involved canceling the July and December meetings. The body debated pursuing an Oral History Grant Opportunity, including who should apply and the required $3,000 match, concluding that Nancy Nichols would inquire with the Historical Society regarding application. The process for reviewing demolition permits, particularly for significant structures requiring architectural and historical integrity review, was discussed. The Commission tabled a decision on America250 Participation pending City Council review. A discussion was held regarding recognition efforts for enslaved people in Draper history, with plans to research what other cities have done. Updates were provided on walking tour brochures, ethnic and minority history research (progressing on Italian families Bernardo and Fratto), and the progress of a walk-through video tour of historic homes. Finally, the Commission decided on funding allocations for National Register of Historic Places nominations, motioning to fully fund the Isaac Stewart House nomination and fund the Pioneer Road property nomination at 50% of the fees. An update on the ordered Enniss Auto Plaque was given.