Now that my first year on the City Council is complete, I wanted to create a brief review of the notable items we encountered in 2016.  For more information and/or relevant links just click on the month.

January

• I was sworn in for a 4 year term on the council along with Braden Mitchell and Alan Arnold.
• We approved Planning Commission appointments of Commissioners Jones and Wingfield.
• We authorized bids for new 4400 S. pedestrian bridge.
• RDA Board approved funding for consultant to create 700 W. CDA

February

• We approved bid for 4400 S. pedestrian bridge.
• RDA Board approves proposed CDA area map
• The city holds an open house to present new park concepts and listen to community concerns and ideas.
• At the first Strategic Planning Meeting of the year we reviewed the current budget, began the process of the next budget formulation and talked about upcoming capital improvement projects and how to prioritize them.

April

• At the mid-year convention for the Utah League of Cities and Towns I listened to several speakers give reports and presentations on items such as:  current state legislative issues, property taxes, employee asset, disaster communication, social media issues, and live-streaming meetings.

May

• The city held it’s first ever badge ceremony and swearing in of Fire Fighters.
• We offered the Mayor consent to his selection of new Police Chief, Scott Brenkman.
• We approved a tentative budget for FY17.
• At the second Strategic Planning Meeting of the year we discussed budget specifics; including changes to the water rate/structure, extra funds to expedite water meter changes and a new fire truck, among other things.
• We established a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, to be chaired by former Councilor, Mike Staten.

June

• The city honored the retiring Police Chief Hansen.
• We approved amendments to the Consolidated Fee Schedule, adjusting the water rate and structure of the rate.
• We approved the final budget for fiscal year 2017.
• At a special City Council Meeting, we approved a change to award the bid to the 4400 S. pedestrian project to a new contractor.

July

• We approved the site plan for the new Maverik.
• The City held the annual Old Glory Days Celebration.  I enjoyed meeting people at the Movie in the Park, Sunrise Ceremony, Parade and the park festivities and fireworks.

August

• We awarded a bid to build the new firetruck.
• We made an inter-local agreement with area fire departments regarding “on-board paramedic fees”.  This is one of the 2 times this year that I voted in opposition to the rest of the council.  See August blog post for details on why.
• The RDA Board (and City Council) approved the creation of a new Community Development Area (700 W. CDA).  This is the other time I voted in opposition to the rest of the council (and board).  See August blog post for the reasons why I did.

September

• At the third Strategic Planning Meeting of the year, we met with the Planning Commission and staff to discuss the city’s General Plan and Title 10.  We also had brief status reports from each department and had a short discussion about the future possibilities with Ritter Drive.
• We approved the site plan for the Riverdale Town Square development that will include all of the land between the new Maverik and Tony Divino Toyota.
• The city was victim to a very rare weather event on 9-22-16.  A tornado impacted a number of our residents, some very severely.  I feel like we had a great community response from our residents and staff over the following several days.

November

• The city put on a very nice Veterans Day event, with a flag raising ceremony.
• By way of citizen involvement, we heard our biggest item of the year; a rezone request of the Coleman property on Ritter Drive.  I was happy to see people come and make their thoughts and concerns known to us, no matter which way they felt about this subject.  The request has been tabled for further consideration and it is unclear if or when it will return to our agenda.

December

• The city held a ribbon cutting for the (mostly completed) new 4400 South pedestrian bridge and sidewalk underpass.  This is a major improvement for the walk-ability and ride-ability of this area of the city!

Some of the ideas, concerns and interests that I brought to the administration and staff this year included:

• Our use of technology as it relates to public access and transparency
• Consistent access to department reports
• The creation and inclusion of a Utility Report in council packets
• The proper setting and noticing of public hearings
• Complete information in the packet for action items on the agenda
• Accurate reporting to the council of Senior Center financial viability
• Consistent updates on city (RDA) owned or affecting real estate areas
• A host of other less significant random items.

I have been honored to participate with the direction of our community in 2016.  I really enjoy working with the administration, council and staff; but my favorite part is when I get to interact with residents and hear their concerns or ideas about Riverdale.  I love getting more input that can help me shape my positions on the issues and make decisions.

Thanks for your support, and please don’t hesitate to reach out!  Happy New Year!