Syracuse City Council Meeting - February 11, 2026

The Syracuse City Council held a regular business meeting on February 11, 2026, beginning with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting included public comments about a dangerous intersection, approval of multiple consent agenda items, discussion of committee assignments, a contract award contingent on grant extension, and a proposal to transition to paperless utility billing. The council also received reports from the mayor and council members before adjourning to a biennial police department review.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brooke Sornson (resident at 4000 West and 700 South) presented a petition with 336 signatures requesting a four-way stop with lighted stop signs at the intersection of 4000 West and 700 South, a 25 mph speed limit on 700 South, and a speed limit sign near the intersection. She cited two recent accidents: one on December 15, 2025, where a vehicle crashed into her home, missing her gas meter by less than a foot, and another on February 4, 2026, where three vehicles were totaled and two people were hospitalized. She noted that a roundabout was proposed before the completion of Highway 193 and new schools, and argued that a four-way stop is now a better solution. She stated that if progress is not made within two months, residents will contact news outlets and conduct investigations. The mayor responded that the issue cannot be discussed because it is not on the agenda, but asked who she had emailed.
• A second resident (also concerned about the same intersection) provided printed copies of the online petition to the council. She expressed frustration that despite following prior advice to contact police, officers are only seen at accident scenes. She warned that if the city does not act, residents will "press charges or sue the city." The mayor acknowledged the comments and noted that the city attorney acts as bailiff.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the January 13 work session and business meeting, and January 27 work session and special meeting were approved unanimously.
• Items of Common Consent (approved unanimously):
  • Item B: Proposed ordinance 26-01 amending water meter placement code sections.
  • Item C: Proposed resolution 26-06 amending engineering standards for water meter location.
  • Item D: Proposed resolution 26-07 adopting water meter location policy.
  • Item F: Proposed resolution 26-08 selecting Syracuse Fire Department as provider of 911 and interfacility transport services.
  • Item H: Proposed resolution 26-10 adopting the Syracuse style guide and branding guidelines.
  • Item I: Proposed ordinance 26-02 rezoning 4.27 acres at 2300 West 1700 South from R2 and A1 to Light Commercial (applicant: Leisure Villas).
  • Item J: Proposed ordinance 26-03 amending the General Plan for 12.83 acres at 963 South 2000 West from Civic/Commercial to Low Density Residential.
  • Item K: Proposed ordinance 26-04 rezoning 12.83 acres at 963 South 2000 West from A1 to R3 (applicant: CW Land).

Discussion Items

• Item A – Committee Assignments and Mayor Pro Tem: The mayor announced that the Parks Advisory Committee will not be continued this year, as previously discussed. He also proposed the following mayor pro tem appointments: Paul Watson (first), Julie Robertson (second), and Andrea Brown (third). The motion was approved unanimously.
• Item E – Contract for SR 193 & 22500 West Project: The council considered authorizing administration to award a contract for this project. Council member Paul questioned whether the project funds come from a grant for which an extension is being sought (Item G). The mayor proposed that the resolution specify the project will not proceed if the grant extension is not approved. A motion was made to adopt Item E on the condition that Item G (the reimbursement agreement extension) is accepted and extended. The motion passed unanimously.
• Transition to Paperless Billing: Brody (city recorder) presented the proposal, noting that the city currently spends about $84,000 annually on paper utility billing. Staff have already saved $8,800 through voluntary electronic sign-ups. The proposal would default all customers to electronic billing, with a $1–$2 fee for those who still request paper statements. Communication would include a full-page letter, newsletters, social media, and the city website. Council discussion included support for the cost savings and concerns about residents who may not have internet access. Council member Abe expressed discomfort with charging a fee for paper bills, preferring continued incentives. The mayor noted that the budget process will require creative savings. The council reached consensus to proceed with developing the proposal, which will return for formal action and public input.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes from January 13 and 27 were approved unanimously.
• Common consent items (B, C, D, F, H, I, J, K) were approved unanimously.
• Item A (committee assignments and mayor pro tem) was adopted unanimously.
• Item E (contract for SR 193 project) was adopted unanimously, with the condition that Item G (reimbursement extension) is approved.
• Paperless billing proposal received consensus to move forward; formal resolution to be brought at a future business session with public notice.

Mayor and Council Reports

• Council Member Andrea Brown: Reported on America 250 preparations, including fundraising efforts.
• Council Member Julie Robertson: Reported contacting Horizon Junior High and Island View Elementary for a Davis County arts competition; positive feedback from staff.
• Mayor's Updates:
  • The sewer district board chose not to renew the plant director's contract; the board is currently running the plant, and a new plant manager is being hired.
  • The waste management annual budget was approved; holidays now include Labor Day and Memorial Day (landfill usage on those days is at 60%).
  • Planning commission openings are available; applications are being accepted.
  • The arts council will produce "Willie Wonka Jr." as the fall musical; auditions will be in summer.

Adjournment

• The council held a second public comment period (no speakers) and then adjourned the regular meeting to conduct a biennial police department review in a separate conference room.