Draper City Council Meeting - March 3, 2026

The Draper City Council met on March 3, 2026, to receive updates from public works, parks and recreation, and the fuels crew, hear public comments, approve a consent calendar and a public hearing ordinance, and discuss legislative developments. Key topics included infrastructure projects, wildfire mitigation, a rocket complaint, a potential amphitheater event, and state legislative updates on property tax, homelessness, and election changes.

Consent Calendar

• Approved meeting minutes for the February 10, 2026 City Council retreat.
• Approved Resolution 2612, certifying authorized individuals to access state investment funds.
• Approved Resolution 2613, a vote center agreement with Salt Lake County for the 2026 elections.
• All approved unanimously (4-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Lund (652 Webb Circle) expressed concern about model rockets launching from Galena Park onto his property, noting he has found debris 40-50 times in 20 years. He stated that police cannot enforce because no ordinance specifically prohibits rockets. He requested council action to address safety hazards to his horses and property.
• Michelle Polish (12249 South Placer Street) spoke in support of hosting a free, non-political America 250 event at the Draper Amphitheater, organized by Americans for Prosperity. She stated the event would include a drone show and a country singer, with all costs covered by the organization, and requested council approval.

Public Hearing

• Ordinance 1706 & 1707: Public hearing on amending the official land use map and zoning map to remove approximately 0.25 acres at 16199 South 3300 East from Draper City maps as part of the Highland Boundary Adjustment. The planning commission unanimously forwarded positive recommendations. No public comment was heard, and the council voted unanimously (4-0) to approve the ordinances.

Discussion Items

• Public Works Update (Scott) :
  • Completed: New signal at 12150 S State Street, a high-T intersection to improve safety; sidewalk repair program (zone 4, fourth year of five-year program, approximately $2 million spent so far); underground storm drain detention basin at 17th East (city property, developer partnership); pump station 3 upgrades (adding two pumps, pressures over 400 PSI).
  • 2026 planned projects: Pavement maintenance ($3 million/year, slurry seals and crack seals); Pioneer Street resurfacing (asphalt replacement, storm drain, curb/gutter); 14600 S and Highland dual left-turn lane (funded by gravel tax); 700 West sidewalk improvements (west side from 114th to 123rd South); 134 South connection (two phases, opening roadway with asphalt); sidewalk gap on Manfield Way near Draper Elementary; City Hall parking lot expansion; Suncrest detention basin repair; pressure reducing valve (PRV) replacements in Suncrest (proactive measure).
  • 2027 projects: Lone Peak Parkway (12650 to 123rd South, eliminating sharp curve, widening, federally funded, approximately $12 million, city share ~$2 million); 700 East and 114 South dual left-turn lanes (federally funded, city share ~$135,000); Fort Street from Pioneer to 132nd South (federally funded, major project, will affect parade route).
• Parks and Recreation Update (Rhett) :
  • Completed: Storage area and trails/open space garage behind parks and rec building.
  • Ongoing: Jensen Farm Phase 3 (athletic field, restrooms, retaining wall, completion expected by May or June); Porter Rockwell Trail bridge expansion (delayed due to incorporating two parcels, bridge expected this summer); donated trail easement project (contractor to start soon); Sunrise and Inauguration parks combined into one park (irrigation, sod, playground); bridge over drainage span on final shoreline trail (construction starting soon); connector trail to Woods Hollow; new trail in Red Rock area (hand-cut, spring completion); two flyover trail intersections (vertical and levitate, Maple Hollow and Hands) requested for future budget funding, potentially supported by Utah outdoor recreation grants.
• Fuels Crew Update (Parker) :
  • Completed projects: Rocky Knoll (resident insurance saved), Maple Hollow (fuel break finished), Mike Weir roadside thinning (proven effective in a car fire that stayed minimal), Mercer Hollow fuel break (35 acres, strategic advantage for Suncrest), Upper Hog Hollow thinning.
  • Grant funding: $120,000 grant supported crew; $200,000 grant for chipper and catch truck to enhance community chipper program. Exceeded state cooperative agreement commitment ($55,000) by $37,000, lowering this year's commitment to $21,000.
  • Fire danger rating signs installed; crew assisted on five national wildfire incidents (including Palisades fire) and multiple local brush fires.
  • Planned: robust chipper program, targeted at homes in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) area; coordination with communications for notifications; maintain Firewise USA recognition.
  • Discussion on HB48: Requires county assessments for high-risk homes; county has not yet defined plan, but city aims to be proactive with mitigation assessments.
• Council Discussion :
  • Tree committee: Council member reported committee is open to updating rules and duties, possibly adding landscaping responsibilities. Committee will meet with council member and staff to review point by point.
  • Historic plaque: Historic Preservation Commission developed a plaque for the Widowmaker Trail, to be installed at Salt Lake County's flight park. Council expressed support for signing an interlocal agreement with the county for installation and maintenance.
  • Rocket ordinance: Council agreed to add a clear ordinance prohibiting rockets in city parks and to post signage at Galena Park, addressing the public comment.
  • Amphitheater rental: Council discussed the request for a free America 250 event. Concerns raised about lack of rental policy, potential discrimination, neighborhood impact, and cost recovery. Council consensus: do not rent without a formal policy; consider city-sponsored events with partner organizations. Staff will develop a policy for future consideration.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved (4-0).
• Ordinances 1706 and 1707 approved (4-0), removing the boundary adjustment property from city maps.
• Direction to staff: Add ordinance prohibiting rockets in parks and post signage at Galena Park.
• Direction to staff: Develop a policy for renting the Draper Amphitheater before approving any rental requests.
• Council support for signing an interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County for the Widowmaker Trail plaque installation.
• Legislative update (Mayor):
  • Homeless shelter bill: Non-shelter cities will face a 15% one-time increase in monthly payment (from ~$16,000 to ~$22,000), funding shelter cities. Passed.
  • Property tax/fund balance: Proposed cap on property tax increases and interest clawback were negotiated down to a five-year sliding scale fund balance cap (25% for larger cities). City will retain interest earnings. Bill still pending.
  • Vote by mail: Bill requiring poll watchers at drop boxes and driver's license verification died in Senate committee.
  • Partisan municipal elections: Bill died in committee 7-3.
  • Flight park airport designation: Bill died after committee, but mayor noted it may return.
  • Transportation bill (Rep. Calvin): Creates low-interest loans for infrastructure to spur housing; also restructures UTA to a seven-member commission, with a new fund for transit expansion. Bill still pending.
  • Gas tax bill: Lowered tax by 4 cents/gallon for 180 days, but cities held harmless. Bill died in Senate committee, but may be revived.
  • Alcohol bill: Allows cities to waive proximity requirements for restaurants/hotels near libraries, parks, playgrounds under certain conditions. Passed.
  • Point bill: City will receive 75% of property tax value from the Point development; other changes on development agreements. Passed.