Riverton City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

The Riverton City Council held a work session and regular meeting on December 16, 2025. The work session included a review of ongoing projects, and the regular meeting featured public comments, recognition of outgoing officials, and a contentious vote to remove the existing skate facility. Mayor Trent Staggs cast the tie-breaking vote to approve the removal, despite public opposition and council concerns about lacking cost estimates.

Consent Calendar

• Council unanimously approved the minutes from the December 2, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jason Richman spoke in opposition to closing the skate park, citing personal experience as a former user and parent. He argued the public was not adequately informed of safety issues, questioned the safety report’s conclusions and cost estimates, emphasized the park’s value for youth, and offered to professionally repair the park at no cost.
• Ida Allen spoke in support of retaining the skate park, noting its visual compatibility with the surrounding park and its importance as one of the limited recreational options for children. She expressed concern about rapid development and loss of Riverton’s identity.
• Hannah Richman stated support for keeping the skate park.

Presentations

• Councilmember Tawnee McCay Recognition: McCay was thanked for eight years of service. She highlighted favorite experiences including community events, youth engagement, public safety initiatives, and work on regional boards.
• Mayor Trent Staggs Recognition: Staggs was recognized for 12 years of service (four as councilmember, eight as mayor). City Manager Kevin Hicks noted historic accomplishments under Staggs: sales tax revenue growth from ~$5M to $13M, elimination of business license fees, creation of the Riverton Police Department with $20M returned to taxpayers, generational infrastructure investments, zero property tax rate, and triple-A bond rating. Staggs thanked his family and emphasized the temporary nature of elected office.

Discussion Items

• Project List Review (Work Session): Kevin Hicks reviewed 15-16 ongoing projects. Highlights included:

  • Development adjacent to skate park under review.
  • Welby Canal Trail easement substantially complete; pedestrian signal work expected soon.
  • 10-acre park design progressing; funded by impact fees.
  • Proposed pump station on 11800 South for water pressure improvements.
  • Redwood Road RDA tax increment effort targeting ~$70K/year over 25 years.
  • Equalization pond expansion (4200 West) – geotechnical work pending for design choice between one large pond or two with beautification.
  • Additional westbound lane at Bangerter/12600 South near completion.
  • Skate facility removal contemplated (see Key Outcomes).
  • Regional park design coordination with Land Reserve; meeting scheduled January 14.
  • Dutchman Lane connection design in-house; no construction timeline.
  • Surplus property (~1.5 acres) on west side may go to RFP pending council direction.
  • Eminent domain authorized for sidewalk project.

• Councilmember Tawnee McCay requested updates on sidewalk along 2700 West near Bangerter and pedestrian crossing between 2700 West and 3600 West. Public Works Director Cary Necaise stated the crossing is anticipated with a future canal trail.

• Councilmember Andy Pierucci requested traffic-calming measures (speed bumps) added to the city project list, specifically on Shaggy Peak Drive. He also asked about equalization pond design and traffic signal delay coordination with Salt Lake County (pilot study at 3600 West/12600 South).

• Necaise provided update on Jordan Basin Improvement District project on 13400 South: pipe installation by mid-January, roads open for holidays, paving later in good weather.

• Public Works Operational Budget Discussion and Resolution No. 25-62 – Approving Removal of the Skate Facility:

  • City Manager Kevin Hicks noted $18,000 may be awarded from Salt Lake County for design of a new facility. Removal could be done by city staff at roughly half the cost of hiring a contractor.
  • Councilmember Tawnee McCay expressed concern about approving a budget action without specific dollar amounts. She recommended tabling the decision until more concrete cost estimates were available and allowing the newly elected council to weigh in.
  • Mayor Staggs argued safety reports indicated issues and supported starting fresh with a subcommittee to identify new location and funding.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution No. 25-62 (Removal of Skate Facility): Motion passed 3-2. Councilmembers McDougal and Pierucci voted yes; Buroker and McCay voted no. Mayor Staggs cast the tie-breaking yes vote. The resolution approves removal of the existing skate facility with city staff, pending final cost reporting. A subcommittee will be established to identify new locations and funding sources for a future skate facility.