OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Syracuse City Council Meeting Summary - January 28, 2026

Public Meetings — Wednesday, January 28, 2026
BodySyracuse, Utah
SessionPublic Meetings
DateWednesday, January 28, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:00:37

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

So we have a reason to stop traffic.

0:03

Yeah.

0:03

It's it is kind of awkward if you put a signal up there and black it out and people all go, what's when?

0:09

What why is it not working?

0:11

Yeah.

0:11

So and hopefully that'll bring a developer in.

0:15

Yeah.

0:16

You know, once we get that improved, then it's like we're ready to go.

0:21

Yeah.

0:23

Anybody have any objection to this one?

0:26

All right.

0:26

I'm just going to move that to the consent agenda too.

0:29

Now we have item D, which is public works items.

0:33

We have one proposed amendment to Syracuse Municipal Code, Section 4.15 and 4.25 pertaining to water meter meters, proposed engineering standards updates related to water meters and proposed policy related for existing meters.

0:52

Yeah.

0:52

Robert, if you come forward and share with us just a little bit of insight as to why this is important.

0:58

Yeah.

0:59

So when a new lot is built, the floor lines are all stubbed to the center lot, and then and then the house gets built, they build the driveway.

1:07

And sometimes the water meter ends up right where they want to put a driveway.

1:19

And generally they are to about the center of the lot.

1:22

Anyway, um, what we don't want is for the driveway to be built around the water meter and have it built around concrete.

1:30

Couple of reasons why, mainly for serviceability, if we've got to get into it, dig around it.

1:36

It's going to take us longer to get to it, especially if there's an emergency urgent situation.

1:40

Also, um, it's harder to determine if there's a leak.

1:44

So if there's a slower leak, it may just leak underneath the concrete, create a big hole under the concrete, and it'll only take a moment of time before a truck drives over it and collapses.

1:55

So uh it is better to not have them encased in concrete.

1:59

Um the so that the proposal on the ordinance reflects language that um could be considered to be changed for city code to uh you know to improve that situation.

2:14

Also, the engineering standards uh would supports it with a note that was added to the drawings for both the culinary and the secondary.

2:24

And then the policy would be if there's already an existing situation where there's a meter in concrete and we have to get in there and work on it.

2:35

Uh we're not going to put concrete back in because it's just bad practice.

2:39

So that's the policy just allows us to work in there.

2:44

We would put it back, you know, in good shape, whether it's uh gravel.

2:49

We try to match best as we could with what's kind of around that area.

2:53

So whether it's gravel or um grass or mulch or um uh even brick pavers, you know, something something.

3:06

So we'd certainly uh try to work if that's good with residents who might be concerned about it as well.

3:12

But this allows us to do that.

3:15

So if it's so Robert, if it's in the driveway approach already, there's no required requirement to move it.

3:22

But if it needs maintenance, you would remove the concrete around it and then replace it with pavers or something.

3:29

Yes, yeah, okay, but they would not be allowed to put concrete back, right?

3:34

Right.

3:36

That could be in the middle of the driveway.

3:39

Uh generally they are.

3:40

We've only seen just recently one come across where they didn't want to move it.

3:45

Um, but we've always had them move it before we accept uh the home for occupancy.

3:53

Um they grumble, especially if they've already poured the concrete, because then they got to rip up the concrete and move it.

4:02

But we just tell them that's our standard is we can't put them in the driveway.

4:07

Um I don't know of any right now, unless say, like unless someone has widened their driveway for an RV pad and we're not really aware of that.

4:19

That's a possibility.

4:21

One of the good things about having it in our standards is if a developer is smart, they read through that and they don't do something because that's kind of our fallback is it's written and you received that when you filed for a permit.

4:36

So you should know that these are the rules you have to.

4:40

Is there anywhere during our inspection process on a new construction that would catch it before they before they build?

4:46

Before they put the driveway in.

4:48

It would be caught on the plans for inspecting the plans.

4:51

The challenge I think that came up that Robert mentioned is so many people will make a change and not tell anybody.

5:00

And so they may have poured concrete over it, but that would be why you file for a permit so that we can tell you things not to do before you spend the money.

5:16

But we do have to service meters, so there's just no way around that.

5:22

Is this forward looking or is this retroactive as well?

5:26

Uh the ordinance, the city code would be forward looking, the policy is more retroactive.

5:33

So if somebody has an existing meter in their driveway, it gets torn up and not replaced.

5:39

I just want to make sure yes, yes.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Economic Development█████████████████████████25%
Budget Equity Analysis████████████████████20%
Community Engagement█████████████████17%
Public Safety████████████12%
Youth Programs██████6%
Procedural█████5%
Fiscal Sustainability████4%
Engineering And Infrastructure███3%
Public Engagement███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Syracuse City Council Meeting Summary - January 28, 2026

The Syracuse City Council convened to review public works code amendments, discuss urgent changes to 911 dispatch services due to county consolidation, explore new ambulance service models under state law, and conduct a comprehensive municipal budgeting overview. The meeting also featured the adoption of new citywide branding guidelines and the collaborative assignment of council lia roles to various committees and schools.

Consent Calendar

  • Moved to consent agenda: Proposed amendment to Syracuse Municipal Code Sections 4.15 and 4.25 regarding water meter placement and engineering standards.
  • Moved to consent agenda: Proposed resolution to support the continuation of Syracuse City providing ambulance services, required by Senate Bill 215 since no outside bidders were received for the RFP.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No formal public testimony was recorded during this transcript segment; the session transitioned directly from agenda items to internal discussion and council assignments.

Discussion Items

Water Meter Ordinance and Policy Updates

  • Proposal: Update code and policy to prevent future water meters from being encased in driveways and to allow removal of existing concrete encasements during maintenance.
  • Robert (Public Works): Explained that concrete encasements hinder emergency service, increase leak detection time, and risk structural collapse. The new policy allows removing concrete and replacing it with gravel, pavers, or mulch to match the surrounding area. The ordinance is forward-looking, while the policy is retroactive for existing meters.
  • Council Members: Noted that meters are small (approx. 2-3 foot openings) and that developers are already required to move meters before home occupancy. The current practice discourages meters in driveways.

911 Dispatch Center Consolidation

  • Context: Davis County is discontinuing its 911 dispatch service by September 2026 to merge with Leighton City. Syracuse is legally required to have a contiguous dispatch center, eliminating Bountiful as an option due to non-contiguous geography.
  • Options Discussed:
    • Leighton City Option: Syracuse would contract with Leighton. Costs are estimated to triple or quadruple from the ~$100,000 currently paid (historically subsidized by the county) to ~$400,000 annually. Syracuse would have limited control, with only advisory representation.
    • Special Service District (SSD) Option: Forming a multi-city district (potentially with Clinton, West Point, and Sunset). Requires state legislative changes to allow formation after the county exits, which currently has no support. The timeline (deadline in September) makes this option highly improbable.
  • Speaker Positions:
    • Council/Staff: Expressed that the county's departure forces a move; the SSD option is effectively closed due to legislative hurdles and the timeline. The consensus leans toward the Leighton contract as the only viable path to avoid service gaps.
    • Concerns: Raised regarding cost increase, loss of direct control, and potential service hiccups when Leighton absorbs multiple cities. The police chief noted operational benefits of consolidation (common operating picture, fewer channel switches).

Ambulance Services Response to SB 215

  • Status: State law requires a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ambulance services. Syracuse received no bidders.
  • Action: Council agreed to draft and adopt a resolution supporting Syracuse City continuing to provide ambulance services internally. The matter was sent to the consent agenda pending final drafting.

Municipal Budgeting Overview

  • Presentation: Staff provided a comprehensive overview of budgeting terminology, funding sources, and processes.
  • Key Points Discussed:
    • Revenue: Sales tax is the primary revenue source; property tax is secondary. Impact fees are limited by state law and do not cover full growth impacts in high-growth areas like Syracuse.
    • Expenditures: Distinguished between recurring costs (wages, maintenance) and one-time costs (grants for beautification). Emphasized the importance of long-range plans (5-year vehicle, park, and road replacement plans) for managing capital expenses.
    • Process: Budgeting is hybrid (not zero-based), fund-based, and year-round. A budget retreat is tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2026.
    • Funds: Explained the distinctions between General Fund, Enterprise Funds (restricted use), and Special Revenue Funds (e.g., RAP tax, Class C roads).
    • Special Districts/Assessments: Clarified the roles of RDAs/CRAs (redevelopment), EDAs (economic development), and PIDs (specific infrastructure repayment by benefiting businesses). The Costco PID was highlighted as a model where businesses pay for infrastructure that directly benefits them.

Citywide Branding Guidelines

  • Proposal: Adoption of new branding guidelines to ensure visual consistency in city communications and materials.
  • Outcome: Staff presented style guides, updated logos, and templates. The Council supported the guidelines, with a resolution to be adopted at the next meeting to allow for minor administrative tweaks without further council approval.

Council Assignments and Appointments

  • Methodology: Council members selected their own committee and school liaison assignments via a first/second choice system.
  • Results:
    • School Liaisons: Julie (Horizon Junior High), Andrea (Syracuse High), Abe (Syracuse Elementary, new school, and Bluff Ridge/Hook Point), Brett (Syracus Jr. High), and the Mayor (Arts Academy).
    • Appeals Board: Julie, Paul, and others designated as members/alternates.
    • Committee Liaisons:
      • Architectural Review Board: Andrea
      • Davis Chamber of Commerce: Paul (Mayor to continue participation)
      • Planning Commission: Abe
      • Youth Court: Andrea
      • Disaster Prep Committee: To be selected; Museum Advisory Board: Julie; Miss Syracuse Pageant: Andrea and Julie.
      • Ribbon Cutting Coordinator: Brett
      • America 250 Committee: Andrea and Julie (tasked with fundraising)
      • Event Liaisons: Abe (Safety Jamboree), Brett (Safety Jamboree/Heritage Days), others assigned to Pumpkin Walk and Heritage Days.
      • Canal Boards: Robert (due to technical expertise).
    • Youth Council: Council decided to advertise for adult advisors before formally assigning a liaison; if no interest arises, the council would be disbanded for the year.

Special Service District Policy Standardization

  • Proposal: Implement a single, consistent policy for appointing members to all appointed boards (Mayor nominates, Council advises and consents).
  • Outcome: Council unanimously agreed to unify the policy, removing the inconsistency where some boards (e.g., Mosquito) had different nomination rules than others (e.g., Sewer Board).

Community Economic Development (CED) Report

  • KPIs Presented: CED staff reported on sales tax growth (6.6% increase), population growth (21% change 2021-2024), and new business establishments (563 new businesses in 2024, though noted as potentially an anomaly). Building permit inspections and process applications met all statutory timeframes (100% within 3 days/14 days respectively).
  • Staffing: CED department has 11 employees; staffing levels are compared to neighboring cities, noting that high inspection volumes due to rapid growth drive current staffing needs.

Key Outcomes

  • Water Meters: The ordinance and policy amendments were moved to the consent agenda for approval.
  • Dispatch Center: Council acknowledged the limited options for 911 dispatch, with Leighton City being the only legally and logistically viable option for Syracuse by September 2026. A draft interlocal agreement will be brought to a future session for action.
  • Ambulance Services: A resolution supporting continued city-provided ambulance services was accepted and sent to the consent agenda for drafting.
  • Budgeting: The budget retreat is tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2026, with a focus on strategic priorities.
  • Branding: Guidelines approved in principle; resolution to adopt formally at the next meeting.
  • Assignments: All council member assignments for committees, schools, and events were finalized based on member preference.
  • Policy Unification: Agreed to standardize appointment policies for all city boards.
  • Future Actions: City to advertise for Youth Council advisors. Council to consider closed session for land development discussions (adjourned).

Meeting Transcript

So we have a reason to stop traffic. Yeah. It's it is kind of awkward if you put a signal up there and black it out and people all go, what's when? What why is it not working? Yeah. So and hopefully that'll bring a developer in. Yeah. You know, once we get that improved, then it's like we're ready to go. Yeah. Anybody have any objection to this one? All right. I'm just going to move that to the consent agenda too. Now we have item D, which is public works items. We have one proposed amendment to Syracuse Municipal Code, Section 4.15 and 4.25 pertaining to water meter meters, proposed engineering standards updates related to water meters and proposed policy related for existing meters. Yeah. Robert, if you come forward and share with us just a little bit of insight as to why this is important. Yeah. So when a new lot is built, the floor lines are all stubbed to the center lot, and then and then the house gets built, they build the driveway. And sometimes the water meter ends up right where they want to put a driveway. And generally they are to about the center of the lot. Anyway, um, what we don't want is for the driveway to be built around the water meter and have it built around concrete. Couple of reasons why, mainly for serviceability, if we've got to get into it, dig around it. It's going to take us longer to get to it, especially if there's an emergency urgent situation. Also, um, it's harder to determine if there's a leak. So if there's a slower leak, it may just leak underneath the concrete, create a big hole under the concrete, and it'll only take a moment of time before a truck drives over it and collapses. So uh it is better to not have them encased in concrete. Um the so that the proposal on the ordinance reflects language that um could be considered to be changed for city code to uh you know to improve that situation. Also, the engineering standards uh would supports it with a note that was added to the drawings for both the culinary and the secondary. And then the policy would be if there's already an existing situation where there's a meter in concrete and we have to get in there and work on it. Uh we're not going to put concrete back in because it's just bad practice. So that's the policy just allows us to work in there. We would put it back, you know, in good shape, whether it's uh gravel. We try to match best as we could with what's kind of around that area. So whether it's gravel or um grass or mulch or um uh even brick pavers, you know, something something. So we'd certainly uh try to work if that's good with residents who might be concerned about it as well. But this allows us to do that. So if it's so Robert, if it's in the driveway approach already, there's no required requirement to move it. But if it needs maintenance, you would remove the concrete around it and then replace it with pavers or something. Yes, yeah, okay, but they would not be allowed to put concrete back, right? Right. That could be in the middle of the driveway. Uh generally they are. We've only seen just recently one come across where they didn't want to move it. Um, but we've always had them move it before we accept uh the home for occupancy. Um they grumble, especially if they've already poured the concrete, because then they got to rip up the concrete and move it. But we just tell them that's our standard is we can't put them in the driveway. Um I don't know of any right now, unless say, like unless someone has widened their driveway for an RV pad and we're not really aware of that. That's a possibility. One of the good things about having it in our standards is if a developer is smart, they read through that and they don't do something because that's kind of our fallback is it's written and you received that when you filed for a permit. So you should know that these are the rules you have to.

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