Riverton City Council Meeting: Work Session & Council Meeting - February 3, 2026

The Riverton City Council held a hybrid work session (4:05 PM – 6:20 PM) and council meeting (7:00 PM – 9:25 PM) on February 3, 2026, at City Hall. The work session focused on water rate studies, budget revenues, secondary water meters, and traffic calming. The council meeting included citizen comments, presentations, consent agenda approval, planning commission appointments, an ordinance change, discussion of the Sentinel Ridge median, and a parks update. The meeting closed with a closed session to discuss litigation and real property/water rights.

Consent Calendar

• Minute Approval: Minutes from January 20, 2026, were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amanda Perkins (Riverton resident, 15 years) expressed full support for immigrants and urged the council to repeal the city’s agreement with ICE, referencing a peaceful pro-immigrant protest and citing religious and historical examples of welcoming outsiders.
• David Mobley (Riverton resident, Marine Corps veteran) argued that recent protests are organized disruptions testing law enforcement, urged the council to enforce laws consistently, redirect protests to sidewalks/parks, and reaffirm the ICE partnership under 287(g). He emphasized maintaining public order and supporting law-abiding residents.
• Troy Rushton (40+ year resident, former Planning Commission member) raised concerns about a non-conforming lay-down lot along 3200 West (lack of water retention, inadequate fencing, no public review) and called for a comprehensive review of the city’s General Plan, highlighting inconsistencies in past development approvals.
• Preston Fetzer (Riverton resident) stated that limiting protests to designated zones violates free speech and opposed the presence of ICE in the city.

Presentations

• Riverton Choice Awards for Excellence in Education: Councilmember McDougal presented awards to Southland Elementary (teacher Jeana Howe, students Troy Anderson and Eliza Christensen). Councilmember Pierucci presented awards to Silver Crest Elementary (teacher Michelle Hansen, students David Jones and Sienna Borough).
• Unified Fire Authority Presentation: Fire Marshal Wade Watkins presented a fourth quarter 2025 service report (Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025), reporting 568 total incidents, 232 classified as emergent (41%). Breakdown: structure fires (5), motor vehicle crashes, breathing problems, seizures, falls. Two heavy apparatus (Medic Engine 124, Medic Ladder 121) and two ambulances serve Riverton. Community risk reduction initiatives were outlined, including a year-round calendar of prevention topics (e.g., fall prevention in February).

Discussion Items

• Water Rate Study Discussion: Shawn Koorn (HDR Engineering) presented the preliminary rate study, showing that current water revenues and reserves are insufficient to fund needed capital projects (aging pipe replacements, meter replacements). The study projected needed rate increases: culinary water 22% in 2026-27, 20% in 2027-28, etc. (if bonded); if no bond and no capital, culinary increases would be 10%, 15%, 14%, then 5%. Secondary water also faces similar pressures. Council discussed policy options on tier structures, customer classes, conservation messaging, and the transition to metered secondary water by 2030. Staff noted that sales tax is already stretched and slowing.
• Budget Study on Revenues: Nick Geer (Administrative Services Director) reviewed non-tax revenues: November sales tax was the strongest in four years, 3.65% above last year; tax increment revenue ~$2.8–3.1 million annually but mostly reimbursed; other general fund revenues flat or declining due to ending non-reciprocal water charges. Impact fees are unpredictable and will decline as build-out nears. Culinary water revenues projected to rise slightly; secondary water flat. The city is still about 500 secondary water shares short and actively seeking sellers. Other revenues: HB 244 ($700,000 over 15 years for infrastructure), stormwater capital, one-time grants.
• Secondary Water Meters: Cary Necaise (Public Works Director) reported ~110 secondary water meters still needed (50 with access issues). With a 2030 state deadline and state funding covering ~70% of costs, he recommended sending formal letters to property owners requiring installation or risking disconnection. Council supported moving forward, requesting copies of the letter and a list of affected properties.
• Traffic Calming (Speed Bumps) Discussion: Cary Necaise reported the city has 111 speed bumps/humps, with ongoing maintenance challenges. Pros: effective short-term speed reduction. Cons: costly ($9,000 each), emergency response delays, noise/vibration, vehicle wear, driver frustration (faster driving between bumps), snow removal issues. Most neighboring cities no longer allow them. Council discussed a data-driven, comprehensive policy, considering stop signs, school zone lights, and roundabouts. Staff will return with policy options.
• Open & Public Meeting Training: Ryan Carter (City Attorney) announced that annual training will be completed via the Utah Legislative Auditor’s Office automated system (online videos, quizzes, certificates). Instructions will be emailed; certificates due by next council meeting.
• Ordinance No. 26-02 – Amending Planning Commission Officers: Proposed to allow the Planning Commission chair to serve successive one-year terms (removing the current hard stop after one year). Council debated no cap vs. a two-year limit. The motion to approve the ordinance as written (allowing successive terms without a cap) passed unanimously.
• Sentinel Ridge Median Discussion: Jason Lethbridge (Development Services Director) discussed traffic projections for the area, noting that some intersections are projected to operate at substandard levels (level of service F) by 2030. He apologized for previously pressing for a decision on median materials and committed to returning to a work session within the next two meetings with detailed options (including stop signs, traffic signals, roundabouts) and cost/impact data. UFA Fire Marshal Watkins noted that medians can delay emergency response. Council emphasized the need to address the issue promptly due to ongoing development, but with careful analysis.
• Review Parks & Amenities Map: Cary Necaise presented an updated online map showing all parks, amenities, and accessibility features. Budget allocation: largest portion on ground maintenance (mowing, landscaping, irrigation), followed by park facilities (bathrooms, maintenance), then open space and playgrounds. Council noted that some parks also serve as retention ponds.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (Jan 20, 2026 minutes).
• Resolution No. 26-08: Approved appointment of Galen Mills as alternate Planning Commission member (unanimous).
• Resolution No. 26-09: Approved appointment of Joe Marzo as Planning Commission member (unanimous).
• Ordinance No. 26-02: Approved amending Riverton City Code Section 2.95.030 to allow Planning Commission officers to serve successive one-year terms (no cap) (unanimous).
• Sentinel Ridge Median: Deferred to a future work session for more detailed options and data.
• Secondary Water Meters: Council directed staff to send formal letters to property owners requiring installation or disconnection, and to provide copies of the letter and a list of affected properties.
• Closed Session: Convened at 8:37 PM to discuss pending litigation and real property/water rights; adjourned at 9:25 PM; council meeting adjourned immediately after.
• Upcoming Meetings: Next work session and council meeting on February 17, 2026.