Draper City Council Meeting Summary - December 16, 2025

The Draper City Council convened for its December 16, 2025, meeting to address administrative updates, public comments regarding waste collection, and three major public hearing items concerning land use zoning and geologic hazard ordinances. The Council also honored outgoing Council Member Marsha Voogdery's final meeting. Key discussions focused on cost-saving measures for the city newsletter and the controversial rezoning of commercial developments near the Bangater Highway, which required extensive public testimony and subsequent staff assurances regarding traffic mitigation and buffer zones.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the December 2, 2025, City Council meeting minutes.
• Approval of Resolution 2576: Adopting the Data Privacy Policy.
• Approval of Resolution 2577: Reappointing David Hales and Jordan Putnam to the Draper City Historic Preservation Commission.
• Approval of Resolution 2578: Reappointing John Mack to the Draper City Parks, Trails and Recreation Committee.
• Approval of Resolution 2579: Establishing the regular meeting schedule for the City Council, Planning Commission, subordinate bodies, and committees for 2026.
• Approval of Resolution 2580: Approving City Council assignments for 2026.
• Approval of Resolution 2581: Electing Brynn Heather Johnson as Mayor Pro Tem for 2026.
• All items passed unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ronald Schmidt and Vivian Goobler: Residents of the Parkstone Rhyme area expressed strong opposition to a recent increase in garbage fees, which they stated increased from approximately $37 to nearly $77. They argued that their neighborhood, which has city-maintained streets and is 55+ years old, was unfairly targeted compared to other residents. They supported a request for the city to reconsider the fee structure and reinstate previous collection services.
• Rosemary Thomas: Expressed concerns regarding the Bangater Crossroads development (Item 6A), opposing the proposed commercial zoning change due to the lack of a meaningful buffer for Third East. She argued that allowing access would transform the residential character of the neighborhood and increase traffic safety risks.
• Christina Kessler Day: Opposed the Bangater Crossroads development, stating that changing the zoning to commercial would break trust with residents who purchased homes expecting residential preservation. She criticized the developer's role in securing state legislation for road improvements, suggesting it created an unfair quid pro quo situation.
• Gus Bernardo: Expressed concern about the potential impact of the Bangater Crossroads development on the visual and noise environment of his backyard, supporting the need for substantial berms, higher fences, and protection from lighting and sound.
• Robbie Sitz: Voiced concern regarding traffic safety, particularly with children crossing Third East. She supported the installation of a Hawkeye signal but opposed the potential increase in traffic volume on an already congested road, even with right-in/right-out access.
• Matt Smith (Resident): Opposed the Bangater Crossroads zoning change, arguing that the traffic study is outdated and does not account for recent local growth. He supported deferring the vote until a final development agreement and updated traffic study are in place to protect residents from long-term risks.
• Robert James: Opposed the project, citing personal observation of traffic backups on 300 East and Bangater Highway. He stated that the proposed traffic solutions would not work due to existing congestion levels.
• Brandon Thomas: Requested a deferral of the Bangater Crossroads vote, supporting the Planning Commission's negative recommendation and opposing any access on Third East.
• Joshua Hogarth (Civil Engineer): Opposed the Bangater Crossroads project based on professional analysis of the traffic study. He stated his opinion that the 300 East and 138th South intersection would remain at a Level of Service 'E' (below acceptable standards) despite proposed improvements.
• Carolyn Phippin: Opposed the rezoning, arguing that the roads cannot accommodate the proposed massive traffic volume. She support the view that the city should not abandon past commitments to residents regarding the residential character of the area.
• Kayla Kilsnar: Expressed concern regarding the Open Shawl Draper 138 project (Item 6B), stating that the access point would be too close to her residence. She supported a deferral or stricter mitigation to protect her elderly father and neighborhood children from safety and noise risks.
• Robbie Stagg & Matt Smith (Resident): Both expressed concern regarding the connectivity between the Bangater Crossroads and Open Shawl projects. They stated that they believe the projects are linked and that traffic impacts must be evaluated together, fearing a "lock-in" situation for exiting the neighborhood.
• General Public: Multiple speakers expressed support for the Police Department Christmas Card contest, commending the tradition and the finalists.

Discussion Items

City Newsletter Survey Results:

• Staff presented findings from a survey of 556 residents regarding the $55,000/year cost of the printed newsletter, which had increased nearly 70% from 2021 to 2025.
• Positions: Staff recommended a "hybrid" model (digital primary, limited print distribution). Council member Tasha expressed full support for the hybrid model to save money while retaining accessibility for the elderly and homebound via Meals on Wheels. However, Council members Marsha Voogdery and others expressed strong support for retaining the current printed, mailed-to-all model. They noted that digital open rates are low, the printed newsletter is a unique and high-quality communication tool, and residents specifically value receiving it physically.
• Positions: Council members argued that the $55,000 cost (approx. $1 per resident) is worth the community engagement and that switching to digital entirely would alienate a portion of the audience. They opposed a move to digital-only or a significant reduction in frequency (e.g., quarterly), citing the need for timely communication.

Safe Sidewalk Program (Tree Removal Liability):

• Staff proposed a policy to identify trees causing sidewalk displacement based on diameter vs. park strip width. The proposal offered residents the option to keep the tree if they sign a waiver assuming all future liability for tree damage, sidewalk repair, and accidents. If the tree is removed, the city acts at City expense.
• Positions: Council members expressed skepticism regarding the legal enforceability of the waiver. They argued that the City likely retains primary liability for sidewalk safety regardless of the waiver. One member stated that the sidewalk is city property and the City cannot absolve itself of liability for injuries occurring on the sidewalk, even if the resident owns the tree. They debated whether the waiver would hold up in court if a resident's injury occurred before the sidewalk could be repaired again.
• Positions: Despite concerns about legal liability, the Council expressed support for the concept as a potential solution to reduce city-wide liability, provided it is paired with the ability to cut roots and repair the sidewalk. They voted to postpone the final policy adoption to January to review the legal wording further.

Parks Department: New Staff Hire:

• Parks Director Kelly reported on the new hire of Rob Smith, a former seasonal employee and Army vet, to manage paid trails and open space. He stated the hire was necessary to maintain the growing trail system. Council members expressed strong approval, noting the high value of the trails (Brigham's, Maribon, etc.) and the need for professional maintenance to reduce complaints.

Tree Committee Communication:

• The Council Manager noted concerns from the Tree Committee regarding communication with staff. The Council directed staff to place this issue on the January retreat agenda to discuss the relationship between committees, staff, and the Council.

Special Events & Engagement Committees:

• Discussion regarding merging the Special Events and Engagement committees. Council members expressed support for the merger to improve efficiency but noted the need to manage the committee size (currently 11) to allow for reapplication and retention of interested members.

Land Use & Boundary Meetings (County Parcels):

• Mayor Wilson and City Manager Metzger discussed Salt Lake County's potential sale of parcels along the Jordan River (near the Riverbend area). The County proposed housing development.
• Positions: Council members expressed strong opposition to developing the parcels due to high water tables, wetlands, and access issues. They stated that the property should remain open space or potentially a cemetery. One member suggested the City might acquire the land rather than allow development.

Bangater Crossroads Land Use/Zoning (Item 6A):

• Discussion: Applicants (Lloyd/Castlewood) proposed rezoning 17.88 acres to Regional Commercial (CR). They promised to submit a Development Agreement by Dec 29, 2025, to address buffering, lighting, and access restrictions (no left-in/out at specific points). They also secured $3.45M in state funds for road improvements.
• Positions: Residents heavily opposed the project, citing outdated traffic studies, lack of physical buffering, and safety concerns on Third East. Staff and applicants stated that a D-level of service is acceptable and that improvements would mitigate traffic.
• Positions: Council members expressed conditional support for the project, contingent on the Development Agreement successfully addressing neighbor concerns. They supported the Planning Commission's recommendation for a delayed effective date (May 7, 2026) to ensure the agreement is executed.

Open Shawl Draper 138 Land Use/Zoning (Item 6B):

• Discussion: A smaller adjacent 1.44-acre parcel was also proposed for rezoning to CR, with a requirement for shared access with the larger Bangater Crossroads project.
• Positions: Residents expressed concern about the shared access and the cumulative traffic impact on Third East and local homes.
• Positions: Council members noted that the applicants are working separately but must coordinate access. They expressed support for the rezoning but emphasized the need for a separate Development Agreement to address specific site conditions.

Geologic Hazard Ordinance & Geotech Standards (Items 6C, 7A/B):

• Discussion: Council reviewed amendments to the Geologic Hazard Ordinance (Title 9 to Title 10) and the adoption of Geotechnical Engineering Standards.
• Positions: Council members expressed support for the amendments, noting they improve clarity, align with state standards, and correct code errors. They stated the changes represent best practices learned over eight years of implementation.

Key Outcomes

• City Newsletter: Council decided to maintain the current printed, mailed-to-all newsletter format and rejected the staff's recommendation for a hybrid or digital-only model. No vote tally required as it was a decision to maintain the status quo based on consensus.
• Tree Removal Policy: Council deferred the adoption of the tree removal liability waiver policy to the January 2026 meeting to allow for further legal review and refinement of the waiver language.
• Joint Committee: Council directed the merging of the Special Events and Engagement committees to be finalized and communicated to members.
• Bangater Crossroads Project (Ordinances 1688 & 1689): Approved unanimously (4-0). The ordinances pass with a delayed effectiveness date of May 7, 2026, contingent upon the submission of a Development Agreement by December 29, 2025, and its execution by May 7, 2026. If the agreement is not executed, the ordinances void and properties revert to current zoning.
• Open Shawl Draper 138 Project (Ordinances 1690 & 1691): Approved unanimously (4-0). Similar to the previous item, approval is contingent on a Development Agreement that addresses shared access and site-specific conditions.
• Geologic Hazard Amendment (Ordinance 1696): Approved unanimously (4-0).
• Geotechnical Standards (Resolution 2574) & Boundary Adjustment (Resolution 2575): Approved unanimously (4-0).
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned following a farewell address to Council Member Marsha Voogdery. Council Member Michael Green is deployed with the US military and will be absent for 6-7 months.

Honors & Reminders

• Farewell: The Council honored outgoing Council Member Marsha Voogdery for her long history of service to the community, noting her return from retirement to serve in an interim term. Council Member Michael Green's absence due to military deployment was officially recorded.