FIRE CONSOLIDATION MEETING – City Council 7-31-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording 

• This was a joint meeting with the City Council’s of South Ogden and Washington Terrace, and many of their staff and some fire personnel.
• Mr. Worthen gave a brief synopsis of the idea of a new fire district, combining services of these 3 cities.
• Zions Bank Public Finance gave a review of the report they created for the cities to consider.  If you would like to see this report try this link, if it doesn’t work for you I can get you a copy.
• This meeting was very broad, general information with some financial facts regarding the size of the cities, their departments and budgets and a basic hypothetical budget of a district.
• The cities agreed to discuss it amongst themselves for a month and then make it known whether or not they would be interested in further investigating and studying the possibility of a fire district.

City Council 7-17-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The city recognized Camee Ellis for her work on the Riverdale Picture History Book.  She also presented some canvas photo prints to the city as a gift.
• The council gave consent to the Mayor’s appointment of a new Planning Commission member, Amy Ann Spiers
• The council set a public hearing for 8-7-18 regarding a possible Food Truck Ordinance chapter being added to Municipal Code.
• The council and mayor unanimously decided to pull an item from the agenda to consider setting a public hearing regarding the implementation of a new tax on the citizens and businesses of Riverdale; a franchise tax.  The council and mayor would like more education on the subject, and to discuss how to present it to the citizens.  Personally, I don’t want to talk about it as there is no need for it, and our long term focus and efforts regarding revenue protection should be reconsidered.
• The council held a public hearing regarding nonreciprocal inter-fund activity within the city’s budget (regarding water usage).  The council approved inter-fund transfer.
• The council approved multiple amendments to the Consolidated Fee Schedule, mostly just passing along increases to the city made by other entities, and some food truck stuff.
• The council approved renewal of an agreement with Robinson Waste Services for solid waste collection.
• The council approved a final site plan for a new building at the Brook Haven development (just south of Motel 6, against I-15).

RDA Board 7-17-18

Notice of Cancellation

City Council 7-3-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• New Police Officer Jacob Stanger was sworn in.
• The council gave consent (by 4-1 vote) to the Mayor’s appointment of Rodger Worthen to the City Administrator position.
• The council renewed a yearly agreement with the 2nd District Juvenile Court for graffiti removal services.
• The council approved a new contract (by a 3-2 vote) for city administrator Rodger Worthen.
  • I will note here that I voted against this contract for the same reasons that I listed in my report on the June 5th, 2018 city council meeting.  But I would like to add to that a situation that has developed since that meeting that only solidified my vote, and gave an even greater example of the type of performance that concerns me as I contemplate our city’s future:
  • It became clear that the city staff and Mr. Worthen had failed to bring forth a resolution to renew his first contract by the deadline in which it specified.  The resolution for a new contract was presented approximately 1 year and 3 months after the previous contract had expired; and approximately 9 months after the previous contract was terminated.  It was also clear that neither the city staff nor Mr. Worthen ever remembered to bring this forth, it was pointed out by an unaffiliated 3rd party.
  • A very disappointing aspect of this whole debacle was that nobody involved ever publicly took responsibility for, or ownership of the situation (until I asked why); only noting that it was an “oversight that they became aware of”.
  • Even more disappointing was that the city council totally ignored the significance of this situation.  It wasn’t even acknowledged, let alone considered as a factor in their decisions (one councilmember did call it a “mis-step”, but only after being compelled to by my comments).
  • I’m embarrassed by how low our expectations are for big picture issues, how easily impressed we are by nominal day to day tasks and our lack of intellectual integrity exposed by this situation.  It’s obvious that our main concern is to be “nice guys”.
  • These last few meetings have been horribly uncomfortable for me; it sucks being put in that position in public meetings, being the lone complainer, the whiner, the anti-nice guy.  But it would have felt much worse to ignore logic, reason and results; and just go along to get along.
  • I do hope we can move forward and be successful as a city, doing what is best for our community and the people of Riverdale.  We had a city administrator in the past who also received 3-2 votes on a contract while going on to finish a career with several value added accomplishments for our city.  Here’s to hoping we can replicate some of that!

LOOKING AHEAD:  There will be City Council meetings on 8-7-18 and 8-21-18.  The August meetings should be (I’ve been promised by staff) the first meetings that will be live streamed online, with video recordings of the meetings being available going forward from then on.  This is something I pushed for over a year ago as it will add very inexpensive transparency and accessibility to the citizens.  The RDA Board will meet on 8-21-18.

REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can find more detailed, and official city information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

PLEASE:  Don’t hesitate to contact me directly at any time with any thoughts, ideas, complaints, questions, insults or compliments.

City Council 6-19-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, Part B

• The council heard from 2 residents during Public Comment regarding lighting and unsightly landscape (UDOT’s) on Parker Drive and also the mosquito situation between the railroad tracks and the city’s east bench.
• The council approved a resolution enabling the use of a new PTIF management system.
• The council approved an ordinance that allows for raises for the city employees and Justice Court Judge.
• The council approved amendments to the FY2018 budget.
• The council approved the FY19 certified tax rate.
• The council approved the final Riverdale City Budget for Fiscal Year 2019.
• The council held an executive session regarding an HR situation.
• The item regarding the city administrator contract remained tabled.

RDA Board 6-19-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board heard a brief update on RDA activity. (Krispy Kreme started development)
• The Board held a public meeting regarding, and approved the final RDA budget for Fiscal Year 2019.

City Council 6-5-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from one person during public comment who wanted to advocate for a way to allow a homebuilder to build model homes in a new development sooner than current city ordinance allows.
• The council tabled an action item (by 3-1 vote, 1 abstained) for later consideration regarding a contract renewal for the City Administrator
  • I will note here that I voted against the tabling of this action item because my intention was to vote against the item either way; the reason for that is because I am unsatisfied with the overall performance and strategy of the RDA over the last few years.  I also do not see eye to eye with the administrator’s view the of big picture and some of his large impact recommendations.  I think we’ve lacked creativity, cleverness, boldness and value added accomplishments in recent years.  This is a broad description of the reason for my vote, there’s more to it, if you’re interested in details just reach out and ask me. 

RDA Board 6-5-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

Additional Material 1, Additional Material 2

• The board approved a resolution amending a developer’s agreement concerning the forthcoming Krispy Kreme store and surrounding area.
• The board heard a brief report on RDA increment payments.

LOOKING AHEAD:  There will be City Council meetings on 7-3-18 and 7-17-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 7-17-18.

REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can find more detailed, and official city information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

PLEASE:  Don’t hesitate to contact me directly at any time with any thoughts, ideas, complaints, questions, insults or compliments.

City Council 5-15-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from one resident during public comments regarding a concern for the upkeep of the Veteran’s Memorial.
• The council approved a subdivision of land at the former Valley West Apts.
• The council approved a Subdivision of property on South Weber Dr to accommodate a new home.
• The council approved an agreement with Gold Cross Services for ambulance billing.
• The council approved a renewal of the mutual aide agreement between all Weber County fire departments.

RDA Board 5-15-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The board and staff held a discussion about access road options in the development area of the old Best Burger to the former Farmers Insurance building.

Strategic Planning 5-12-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, Part B

Additional Materials(Administration’s New Tax (Franchise) Presentation)

• The council and staff reviewed the Enterprise Fund (utilities) status’ and needs.
• The council and staff reviewed the Capital Projects Fund and upcoming projects/needs.
  • Some of the notable projects this year include:  Civic Center, has a budget amount of $145,000 for Civic Center parking lot improvements and 129 exterior lighting needs.  Police Station, has $75,000 budgeted for new radios.  Fire Station, has a budgeted amount of $39,000 for the overhead bay doors and fire station improvements.  Miscellaneous Projects, has $100,000 budgeted amount, which is a partial rollover from the current year budget, Riverdale City Council Strategic Planning Meeting: May 12, 2018 132 to allow for continued costs relating to the Riverdale landslide.  Parks and Trails, has a partial 133 rollover budget amount of $20,000 left over from the new park fence.
• The council and staff reviewed the budgets and needs of each department of the city.
• The administration presented and recommended an initiative to implement a new tax on residents.

City Council 5-1-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard a brief update on the landslide area.
• The council approved a resolution declaring unclaimed property as public interest use so the staff can sell or auction it.
• The council approved the tentative budget for the City and the RDA for Fiscal Year 2019.
• The council awarded a bid for the 2018 Sanitary Sewer Improvement Projects. ($223k)
• The council approved a change order for the 2018 Street Projects. ($98k)

LOOKING AHEAD:  There will be City Council meetings on 6-5-18 and 6-19-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 6-19-18.

REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can find more detailed, and official city information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

PLEASE:  Don’t hesitate to contact me directly at any time with any thoughts, ideas, complaints, questions, insults or compliments.

City Council 4-17-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 2 citizens; one representative from BHS requesting a donation for their Senior Class graduation party, and one resident regarding the landslide fundraiser and the idea of live streaming video of the hillside,
• The Fire Dept. gave out some Incident Recognition Awards and swore in newer Fire Fighters.
• There was a brief landslide update. More East Bench Slide Area info. found here.
• The council approved a resolution adopting Public Works Construction and Development Standards.

RDA Board 4-17-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board set a Public Hearing for 6-19-18 regarding the RDA FY2019 budget.

City Council 4-3-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from one resident regarding the landslide fundraiser and also the costs of the acoustical testing of the water pipes.
• Mr. Worthen gave a brief landslide update.  Here is a link to the East Bench Slide Area information on the city website.
• The council heard a report/had a discussion regarding the future water needs and strategy of water delivery in the city.
• There was a brief discussion regarding FY2019 Enterprise Funds and the status of the Ritter Drive Project.

LOOKING AHEAD:  There will be City Council meetings on 5-1-18 and 5-15-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 5-15-18.  There will also be a budget related Strategic Planning Meeting on 5-12-18 at the Senior Center.

REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can find more detailed, and official city information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

PLEASE:  Don’t hesitate to contact me directly at any time with any thoughts, ideas, complaints, questions, insults or compliments.

City Council 3-20-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 2 residents regarding the Veteran’s Memorial and ideas concerning the Spring Creek Landslide.
• The council heard a presentation from the YCC Director.
• Two new Police Officers were sworn in; their resumes and qualifications appear to be outstanding and we are glad to have them on board.
• Mr. Worthen gave a brief update on developments with the Spring Creek Landslide.
• The council approved multiple HR policy amendments regarding the K-9 officer, emergency action plans, and policy regarding some hazardous situations.
• The council approved a cooperative agreement with the Utah Division of Forestry regarding assistance with fires.

RDA Board 3-20-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Mr. Worthen discussed some changes he wants to make to the 700 West CDA Area Map.  He wants to exclude some areas to try and gain the support of Weber County and Weber School District.
  • This comes as no surprise.  As I predicted 1 year and 7 months ago in my August, 2016 RDA meeting summary , it would prove difficult to get other taxing entities on board with this plan at any significant level.  I still feel pretty much the same now as I did then about this RDA area.  As a tax payer to these other entities (at a higher rate than to the city) I’m not sure I want them giving up this tax money, and I don’t blame them for being critical before committing to a deal.

City Council 3-6-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard a brief report from Mr. Worthen regarding the recent goings on with the landslide area.
• The council set a handful of public hearings regarding unclaimed property items and current and upcoming budget items.
• The council approved the yearly Municipal Waste Water Report.

LOOKING AHEAD:  There will be City Council meetings on 4-3-18 and 4-17-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 4-17-18.

REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can find more detailed, and official city information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

PLEASE:  Don’t hesitate to contact me directly at any time with any thoughts, ideas, complaints, questions, insults or compliments.

Strategic Planning 2-24-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording: Part A, B, C, D

• Mr. Worthen gave a general overview of the current economic climate and outlook; then discussed general long term strategies and challenges that need to be taken in to account when we are making decisions now.
• Mr. Cardon discussed the current budget and its up to date performance throughout the departments.
• There was a group (staff and council) discussion on future budget challenges.  Of particular interest is the future sunset on our local option tax, and how that will affect Riverdale.  There will need to be long term strategies to prepare for this.  This could include a need to diversify and increase other revenue streams, and or significant cost cutting (services).
  • During this discussion about long term challenges there were multiple mentions (by Mr. Worthen and Mr. Cardon) of implementing a “franchise tax” in Riverdale as a way to diversify and increase revenue.  I’ve been outspoken in the past with my position against this strategy, for multiple reasons.  The number one reason I oppose franchise taxes is because it is a mechanism for the city to straightforwardly raise taxes on the residents while hiding behind utility companies. 
  • The city will generally use two arguments in favor of franchise taxes:  1- Everyone else is doing it -which needs almost no response, other than pointing out that this is pretty much logical fallacy number one (argumentum ad populum), and is never a good reason to do anything.  2- It’s because the utility companies are using Riverdale streets and other services to provide you their utility, so they should share in the cost of maintaining those services -When a franchise tax is imposed on a company, they can and will pass on 100% of those costs to residents immediately; so they will never contribute to “their share” of maintaining those city services.
  • Franchise taxes are a blatant and direct tax increase on citizens, and should be treated as such, from conception to implementation.
  • Franchise taxes disproportionately affect fixed and low income residents. 
  • If the city can provide clear data, that demonstrates the need to increase revenue to maintain a service level that Riverdale residents clearly desire, and this revenue cannot be reliably made elsewhere, or equivalent costs cut from elsewhere, the city should present an option to increase property taxes (which still remain very reasonable for our region).  If these prerequisites were met, I would support that.  But I will never support a revenue cop out like franchise taxes.
• The council and staff went through Capital Improvement Plans and budget situations with each department.
  • Some upcoming capital request include:  Mayor/Council:  tablets/devices for council.  Business Admin:  re-finished parking lots, LED lighting.  Community center:  blinds, furnaces, parking lot improvements.  Fire Dept:  garage doors, fire station “improvements”, kitchen and bath remodel, radios.  Parks/Trails:  lawn mower.  Police:  fleet replacement, radios.  Sewer:  line repair projects.  Storm Water:  improvement projects.  Streets:  snow blower, loader.  Water:  5400 S project, 1700 W project, Weber Basin connection, remote meters, Tank 1 landscaping, SCADA upgrade.
• The group briefly discussed Ritter Drive’s status and outlook.
• The group participated in an Open and Public Meetings Training, and discussed definitions and verbiage used in the agendas for our meetings.
• The staff and council will hold another Strategic Planning meeting on Saturday, May 12, 2018 to review and amend the FY-2019 Tentative Budget.

City Council 2-20-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 2 residents during open communications with various concerns related to streets, curbs, code enforcement, staffing, and the landslide area.
• The council approved a line item adjustment in the general fund budget in preparation of work being done in the Coleman/Ritter Drive area.
• The council approved a bid for Granite Construction to handle the work on the 2018 Storm Water & Roadway Improvement Project; for $596,419.00.
• The council approved a bid for U.S. Foods to supply food for lunch services at the Senior Center.
• During discretionary items, I asked that we utilize our website more thoroughly to proactively provide all relevant information related to the landslide event, and ongoing efforts of the city.  Mr. Worthen responded positively to this.

RDA Board 2-20-18

Notice of Cancellation

City Council 2-6-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• During open communications the council heard from several residents with various questions and concerns regarding the ongoing landslide situation on the east bench of the city.
• The council approved a resolution to make an official declaration of emergency for the landslide area.
• The council approved a final site plan for Krispy Kreme Donuts at the old Best Burger lot.
• The council gave consent to allow a possible name change to the veteran’s memorial to be decided by the veteran’s committee.

RDA Board 2-6-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board approved the RDA Board meeting schedule for 2018.
• I was given the opportunity to discuss my proposal/idea to set up an RDA Housing Fund assistance program (to help city mandated evacuees with related costs).  I put a lot of thought and research into what I know is a program that would have been helpful, legal, and just the right thing to do.  Even if current evacuated residents were not interested at this point, months after their own evacuations, it would be a great program to have in place on day one of a possible evacuation event.  No board members or staff were interested in discussing the idea. Only one board member made a single comment, which unfortunately only showed a complete lack of understanding of how our RDA housing programs work. 
  • There was a time when this city responded to challenges with ideas and strategies that were unique, clever and un-bureaucratic; with confidence, not timidness.  I am afraid those times are gone.  The difference now is the stark contrast between what we have aspired to create in the past, and what the current staff is willing to attempt to do.  My confidence in this board’s ability to utilize the RDA to its full potential, with this staff’s advice, is not super high.  We have to dare to peek outside of the bureaucratic box, not afraid to be leaders and creators.  Had we not been forward thinkers in the past, we wouldn’t have the successful programs or even the Senior Center that we have today.
  • The idea is dead, without a vote.

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 3-6-18 and 3-20-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 3-20-18.  There is a Strategic Planning meeting on Saturday, 2-24-2018 at 8:00am at the Senior Center.  REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

Now that my second year on the City Council is complete, I wanted to create a brief review of the notable items we encountered in 2017.  For more information just click on the month for the full blog post and relevant links.

February

• At my request, the council approved an initiative to set up a live streaming system for our public meetings; further utilizing modern technology for increased convenience and transparency (I’m still waiting for this to be installed).
• The council approved re-naming the pocket park near 4400 South and I-84 to “Lions Centennial Park”, honoring the club that often helps the city and it’s residents with service projects and donations.
• The February 7th meeting marked the only time this year that I voted against the majority of the council.  It was regarding a lease agreement with the owner of a cell phone tower at our Public Works facility.  I still feel good about my position on this; read more about it in my February blog post if you’re interested in the details.

March

• The council adjusted landscape requirements in an effort to make the code more user friendly.

May

• The council approved a re-zone of the Coleman Family Property on Ritter Dr.

June

• The council approved a balanced budget while providing the good services and amenities that residents have come to expect.

July

• The council approved a site plan for Riverdale Assisted Living on the west end of Ritter Dr.  The development of this property in the future will greatly assist our goal of re-building Ritter Drive into a better, safer road.

September

• The council approved a development plan for the Coleman property subdivision. The development of this property, like the future assisted living development, will greatly assist our goal of re-building Ritter Drive into a better, safer road.

November

• The East Bench area of Riverdale experienced a landslide event on the hillside just west of 600 West and about 4850 South.  As of this writing the situation does not appear to be over, and a resolution for impacted citizens is yet to be determined.  A very unfortunate situation indeed.  I am confident the council has provided the staff with the resources they need to deal with this, and I hope that these citizens can find satisfaction in the end, no matter what that entails for any entity.  I know the council will be watching this closely.  I am currently working on a proposal to use the City RDA as a tool to help residents who have been evacuated for structural safety concerns (this effort is in the early stages, but I will keep after it).
• The council approved the municipal election canvass results.  Mayor Searle was elected to a second term, Councilmember Ellis was elected to a second term and Councilmember Stevens was elected to his first term.

December

• The council approved a budget amendment of $125,000.00 to help with costs related to the landslide event (including $26,400.00 for a geo-technical study to help monitor and predict the soil situation).

OTHER…

Some interesting new items the city got this year include a firetruck, backhoe, vacuum excavator and a backup generator.

Some less exciting agreements we renewed this year included towing services, garbage disposal, animal shelter, juvenile court and a police strike force.

Some items of interest to watch for in the future include the beginning of a new development where Best Burger was, more new stores in the Town Square development, a new neighborhood near Ritter Drive, finished pocket park on 4400 S, a new water well, results of a fire district study, beginning the re-build of part of Ritter Drive, interest in development of some land south of the city building for recreation, live streaming of public meetings and all of the other usual Riverdale happenings.

I have been honored to participate with the direction of our community in 2017.  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 at any time, for any reason!  Happy New Year!

City Council 1-16-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 1 resident during open communications regarding the Standard Examiner’s unsolicited weekly free litter delivery to sidewalks and driveways.
• The council had a discussion about and heard a report from a representative of UYSA about the possibility of creating a youth soccer complex on city property immediately south of the civic center.  The council gave UYSA a consensus of interest in discussing the matter further, in more detail.
• The council held a brief discussion regarding a potential name change to the city’s veterans memorial.
• The council gave consent to the re-appointment of Kathy Eskelsen to the Planning Commission, and also ratified the election results within the Planning Commission naming Gary Boatright as Chair and Robert Wingfield as Vice-Chair.
• The council approved an inter-local agreement with various entities for a Paramedic Aboard Agreement.  I voted against this last year, but there have been some improvements made to the agreement, so I voted in favor this time around.

RDA Board 1-16-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• I led a discussion during the RDA Board meeting regarding my desire to implement an initiative within the RDA Residential Housing Program that would assist residents (in very specific situations) who are instructed to evacuate their home with costs related to moving, storage and temporary housing.  We had a semi-productive discussion and are awaiting more information about the legalities of such a proposal from the city attorney.

City Council 1-2-18

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• Before the meeting the City held a brief swearing in ceremony for Mayor Searle, Councilmember Ellis and Councilmember Stevens.
• During Open Communications the Council heard from 2 residents, both of whom are property owners negatively impacted by the November landslide event on the East Bench area of Riverdale.  They are concerned with the City’s transparency and direction, relative to fact finding and mitigation of the ongoing  situation.
• I will note here that I am still awaiting some communication from the city administration concerning my proposal to use the Riverdale RDA Board as a tool to assist residents evacuated due to the landslide event.  The last RDA meeting was cancelled, so I will pursue this through other channels.

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 2-6-18 and 2-20-18.  The RDA Board will meet on 2-20-18.  There will be a Strategic Planning Meeting on 2-24-18 at the Senior Center at 8:00 am.  REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

City Council 12-19-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 2 residents during open communications concerning the desire to decorate the Veteran’s Memorial with a Christmas wreath and to offer the city a Merry Christmas.
• The council heard a brief report from the Youth City Council Vice President.
• The council gave a unanimous consensus in support of putting $50,000.00 towards a pedestrian bridge over the river from the end of the Johny’s Dairy trail.  This money would only be paid in conjunction with being awarded a R.A.M.P. grant that would cover the majority of the cost of the project.
• The council approved a small change order for a roadway crack seal project.
• The council approved $26,400.00 towards a geo-technical study related to monitoring and predicting the geologic conditions of the area involved in the November 2017 landslide.
• I’ve yet to hear anything from city administration about my discretionary request from the last meeting (other than some misleading information in an email to the council from the City Administrator about why we could not do something).  The last thing I heard from the Mayor concerning this was:  “We can that together, see what there is… that’s a good idea Cody”.  The last thing I heard from the City Administrator was “we can talk about it”.  To be continued…

RDA Board 12-19-17

Notice of Cancellation

City Council 12-5-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 2 residents during open communications concerning long term solutions for the ongoing landslide situation on the east bench, and also concerning the littering with newspapers by the Standard Examiner.
• The council approve the schedule for meetings in 2018.
• The council set a public hearing for 12-19-17 concerning amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2018.
• During the discretionary items period of the meeting I expressed a concern that I feel like we could be doing something proactively as a council to assist the residents who have been evacuated from their homes due to building safety concerns related to the landslide on the east bench area of the city.  What I feel we could be doing is setting policy as an RDA Board to offer some kind of assistance for specifically qualifying people.  I asked that ideas/options be presented for consideration at the next RDA Board meeting.  The Mayor said, quote:  “We can put that together, see what there is…That’s a good idea, Cody”.  

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 1-2-17 and 1-16-17.  The RDA Board will meet on 1-16-17.  REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

City Council 11-21-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council heard from 4 citizens in Open Communications.  Some of their concerns included an ongoing landslide between the railroad tracks and the east bench neighborhoods, treatment of seniors and disabled people at the Riverdale Mobile Estates, unwanted newspapers in driveways/sidewalks, and unkempt yards with vehicles illegally parked.
• The council heard the annual financial audit of the city for FY 2017.  The audit appeared to go well.  The full audit is in the meeting packet.
• The council approved the canvas results for the 2017 municipal election; with Mayor Searle and Council-member Ellis being re-elected, and Bart Stevens being elected to join the city council in January.
• The council entered into a memorandum of understanding between Weber County cities and Recycle Earth regarding temporary recycling services.  Recycling costs will be an ongoing issue going forward, and changes to our program may be needed to account for significant cost increases for recycle tipping fees recently.

RDA Board 11-21-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The Board heard a presentation on the Annual RDA financial report from the Executive Director.  The full report is in the meeting packet.

City Council 11-8-17

Agenda, Minutes, Recording

• The council approved a resolution funding a fire district study performed by Zions Bank for $8,250.

LOOKING AHEAD:

There will be City Council meetings on 12-5-17 and 12-19-17.  The RDA Board will meet on 12-19-17.  REMINDER: These monthly reports are only a brief summary (from my point of view) of our public meetings; you can always find more detailed information at riverdalecity.com.  These posts are also updated periodically as meetings take place during the month and new information and related links become available.

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DCIM100MEDIADJI_0028.JPG

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0042.JPG