Riverton City Council Meeting – September 15, 2026

The Riverton City Council held a hybrid work session starting at 5:06 PM and a regular council meeting at 7:01 PM on September 15, 2026. The work session covered a transition in the city’s text messaging service, an update on the 13400 South canal crossing bridge replacement, and a detailed review of proposed amendments to the General Plan. The council meeting included presentations recognizing Constitution Week, historic homes, Riverton Baseball, and the Dual Check Resetter project, along with extensive public comment (primarily on the city’s 287(g) agreement with ICE), consent item approvals, and adoption of the hazard mitigation plan.

Consent Calendar

• Minute Approval: September 1, 2026 meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
• Resolution No. 26‑40: Approved a Direct Award Grant Funds Agreement with UDOT for roadway improvements on 2700 West between 13400 South and Bangerter Highway.
• Resolution No. 26‑44: Authorized the Mayor to execute an agreement with Forge Industrial for the Trestle Lane Waterlines Relocation Project.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jake Hunsaker (Riverton resident and candidate for Utah House District 48) identified infrastructure, property taxes, and local government control as key voter concerns, and outlined legislative priorities on unfunded mandates and transportation.
• Lena Long and Todd Christensen asked the Council to allow uncovered cargo containers used for agricultural purposes on a one‑acre property, citing safety risks to horses from required coverings and calling for common‑sense application of regulations.
• Matt K. (Salt Lake DSA) argued that the 287(g) agreement with ICE was signed without Council deliberation or a vote, calling it illegal under city code, and requested a formal vote to either affirm or end the agreement.
• Summer Joos described the impact of a family member’s detention by ICE, urged the Council to bring the agreement forward for a vote, and questioned an unsubstantiated claim that 70% of residents support it.
• David Mobley (Riverton resident) opposed repeated comments on the 287(g) agreement, described outside activists as disruptive, and cited arrest data (Riverton: 7 arrests vs. West Valley City: 793) to argue the agreement is insignificant.
• Seth Dunn opposed the 287(g) agreement, stating research shows such agreements reduce crime reporting by immigrant populations, and urged the Council to put the agreement to a public vote.
• Brian Clouser (Salt Lake DSA) expressed opposition to the agreement, describing concerns about immigrant treatment and detention, and urged the Council to consider the human impact.
• Erin Barney (Riverton native) disputed the characterization of opponents as outside agitators, described personal connections to Riverton, and urged ending the 287(g) agreement.
• Alex LeCates (West Jordan) argued the agreement affects surrounding communities and questioned whether it serves Riverton’s interests.
• Cruz Romo (Riverton resident, first time at a meeting) raised concerns about Flock surveillance technology on public roads and parks, and about sharing local surveillance data with federal agencies like ICE.

Discussion Items

• Text Service Discussion (Nate Slack): Following an RFP, Regroup was selected to replace Constant Contact for the city’s text messaging. The five‑year, $21,000 contract provides unlimited texts to about 17,000 contacts (rather than 3,000) at a cost of ~$4,000‑$5,000 per year, with geofencing capability and mobile app access. Implementation is expected soon.
• 13400 S. Canal Crossing Bridge Update (Matt Cassel): The federally funded bridge replacement is scheduled to begin October 15 with a 90‑day construction window, closing 13400 South between Redwood Road and 2700 West. The bridge will remain two lanes but will include bike lanes and sidewalks. The city contributes 7% of project costs. Also discussed: upcoming sewer relocations for Mountain View Corridor and mainline construction starting spring 2027 (three‑and‑a‑half‑year duration).
• General Plan Draft (Jason Lethbridge): Proposed updates to the land‑use map to align with existing zoning and development patterns, focusing on Redwood Road and 12600 South corridors, the golf course area, the mobile home park along Bangerter Highway, and other properties. Key discussion points included RM6 and mixed‑use designations, consistency with surrounding neighborhoods, and setting priorities for infrastructure, transportation, and land use over the next three to five years. Councilmembers debated the appropriate density and the inclusion of mixed‑use (RMU) on Redwood Road, with some preferring straight RM6 to avoid patchwork commercial development and others supporting limited mixed‑use. The draft also identifies recreational, commercial, and residential activity centers.
• Resolution No. 26‑12 – Hazard Mitigation Plan (Kevin Hicks): Volume 1 is the countywide plan; Volume 2 is the Riverton annex. Two versions were presented: Version 2 removes the “effects on climate change” column from Table 11. The plan is required for FEMA funding eligibility after a disaster. Councilmember Smith inquired about radon mitigation; staff explained it is a homeowner responsibility.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved by unanimous vote (5‑0).
• Resolution No. 26‑12 adopted (Volume 1 and Volume 2, Version 2) by unanimous vote (5‑0) to adopt the Salt Lake County Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
• Strategic Planning Meeting set for September 19, 2026, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the police station basement.
• Next regular council meetings: October 6 and October 20, 2026 (work session at 5:00 PM, council meeting at 7:00 PM).
• Closed session on pending litigation was postponed because a necessary pre‑meeting could not be held.
• Mayor Buroker announced open office hours every Wednesday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM starting in October, and that the water rate increase approved on June 2 had been communicated through multiple newsletters.
• Councilmember McDougal reported on Day of Service activities along the Jordan River Parkway, encouraging resident ownership of trails and parks.
• Councilmember Haymond reported on Jordan Basin Improvement District efforts (plant expansion, cost savings on printers and billing) and noted heavy rain caused high wastewater flows but the system performed well.
• Councilmember Johnson reported on the South Valley Chamber of Commerce presentation about the Salt Lake Temple open house (April 27 – October 1, 2027), the Get to the River Festival, and continued drought conditions (59% of state in severe drought).
• Councilmember Smith reported on Mosquito Abatement District (West Nile virus detected), attendance at Friday Fun Nights, and appointment to the TRCC board.
• Councilmember Pierucci discussed the impact of HOA fees on home purchasing power, praised staff for a water conservation presentation, and encouraged support for new businesses.