Syracuse City Business Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Syracuse City Council held a business meeting on July 14, 2026, addressing public concerns, approving several ordinances and resolutions, and handling a special Redevelopment Agency meeting. The meeting included public comments on noise from a park-and-ride lot and traffic issues, recognition of a fire captain, consent agenda approval, a public hearing on stormwater management, and votes on site plan review, town center overlay, recruitment and retention policy, and park-and-ride regulations. The council also discussed the sale of city-owned property and authorized a real estate purchase for the RDA.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Pete Petrowski (3235 South Fork Lane) complained about excessive noise from commercial trucks parking at a park-and-ride lot near his home, stating it is unbearable and that the lot is being used for commercial purposes despite being public land. He expressed frustration with the lack of action. Mayor clarified that the city does not lease the lot from UDOT but is in the process of taking ownership, and noted that park-and-ride regulations were on the agenda for the evening.
• Eric Willison (emailed comment): Thanked the council for transparency, supported the town center overlay standards but urged flexibility to avoid discouraging investment, and encouraged clear communication on the Paisley property purchase and sale of city-owned property.
• Eric Shaw (emailed comment): Raised concerns about speeding and noise on 2000 West near Parkview Drive and Trailside Park, citing safety risks for pedestrians and children. Suggested traffic calming measures such as a roundabout, traffic light, or speed feedback signs. Also requested enforcement of the city's 80-decibel noise limit for vehicles.

Recognition

• Fire Captain Colt Cottrell was awarded the Utah Supervisory Fire Officer designation, recognizing hundreds of hours of training and dedication. The fire chief praised the department's leadership in the state program.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes from June 9th (regular business, special RDA, special MBA meetings), June 23rd work session, and June 29th special business meeting (fireworks order).
• Adopted the following consent items:
  • Proposed Ordinance 2026-13: amending section 8.10.170 on building permits.
  • Proposed Ordinance 2026-14: amending sections 4.5.10, 4.5.22, and 10.92.40 to adopt a single-stream recycling program for multifamily residential communities.
  • Authorization to execute a 2026 interlocal cooperation agreement between Davis County Cities and the Davis County Stormwater Coalition.
  • Proposed Resolution R26-29: proclaiming commitment to volunteerism in Syracuse City.

Public Hearing

• Resolution R26-30: Authorizing the adoption of the 2026 Stormwater Management Program. No public comments were offered, and the council approved the resolution unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Proposed Ordinance 2026-16 (Site Plan Review): Amending section 10.20.090. No further discussion; passed unanimously.
• Proposed Ordinance 2026-15 (Town Center Overlay Zone): Amending section 10.100. Councilmember clarified that drive-through restaurants would not be prohibited but could not have the drive-through between the building and the sidewalk; they must have a front entrance facing the corner. The purpose is public safety and a walkable town center. Passed unanimously.
• Proposed Resolution R26-31 (Recruitment and Retention Policy): Brody explained two key issues: (1) capping merit increases at 3% in a normal year and 2.5% in a constrained budget year to ensure predictability and affordability; (2) defining a "significant tax increase" as anything above 9% (approximately $5.25 per month for the average homeowner) to allow the city to hold the property tax rate steady without triggering a significant increase designation. Council expressed support for the clarity. Passed unanimously.
• Proposed Ordinance 2026-17 (Park-and-Ride Regulations): Amending sections 11.20.060 and adopting 11.20.075. Key provisions: prohibit vehicles over 26,000 pounds or 24 feet in length, no recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, or construction equipment; no parking over 48 hours; no overnight camping or sleeping. The ordinance will take effect approximately 10 days after approval. Council noted the city will have enforcement authority once the property transfer from UDOT is finalized. Passed unanimously.
• Discussion on Selling Property at 546 West 2525 South: The city purchased this property for road expansion and now needs to sell it. The previous process for a similar property (508 property) required a 30-day waiting period before accepting offers, which caused interested buyers to walk. Council agreed to change the process for this property to allow offers to be considered as they come, capturing the best price. No formal vote was taken; consensus was reached.

Special Redevelopment Agency Meeting

• Authorized Mayor to Execute Real Estate Purchase Contract for the "Paisley" property at approximately 2500 West and 1650 South. The purchase will use funds from two RDAs; the available cash is about $3 million, and one RDA generates $500,000 annually. The property will be used for economic development, and proceeds from future sale will replenish the RDA. Passed unanimously.
• Adopted Resolution RDA 26-02: Approving bylaws for the Syracuse City Redevelopment Agency. The mayor is a voting member in the RDA (six voting members total). Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinances approved: 2026-13, 2026-14, 2026-15, 2026-16, 2026-17.
• Resolutions approved: R26-29, R26-30, R26-31, RDA 26-02.
• RDA purchase authorized: Mayor to execute contract for Paisley property.
• Policy change: For the sale of 546 West 2525 South, the city will accept offers without a 30-day waiting period.
• Next steps: Park-and-ride regulations will be enforced after the 10-day waiting period and property transfer from UDOT. The city will continue to accept applications for youth court and reminded residents to contact mosquito abatement district.