Hyde Park City Council Meeting 3.11.2026
March 12, 2026complete
Watch on YouTubeTL;DR
Hyde Park City Council approved the February minutes, the amended agenda, the state wildfire agreement, and the hiring of Jones Simpkins LLC as the new auditor, all unanimously. The meeting also focused on resident concerns about retaining walls and setback rules, water-system repairs, police traffic and e-dirt bike enforcement, and possible future limits on city-facility rentals, while staff moved ahead with the Wolfpack Way extension bid process.
Meeting Summary
- The council approved the February 23 meeting minutes and the workshop minutes, with a clerical correction noted in the regular minutes. Both approvals passed unanimously.
- The agenda was approved as amended, with Item 7(b) removed because the materials were not ready for consideration. The vote passed 3-0.
- During resident input, Bonnie McMullen and Jaren McMullen raised concerns about retaining walls on sloped lots, setback rules, and the lack of clear municipal code language on retention. The mayor said the issue would be taken to planning and zoning for clarification and further review.
- Staff reported that the Well House/transmission line project is nearing completion, but draining the tank may require public messaging about possible water-use impacts. They also said a large leak at the Greystone water tank will be repaired next week, likely for under $20,000.
- The mayor and staff discussed the new street sweeper, and the mayor suggested a community contest with local elementary students to name it. The council appeared supportive of the idea.
- Concerns were raised about building rentals at the city facility, including misuse and wear-and-tear. Council members discussed whether rentals should be limited to Hyde Park residents, but staff noted the problem does not appear to be limited to nonresidents.
- The police chief presented February stats, including 401 total calls, 370 traffic stops, and a traffic trailer report showing significant speeding on 400 East/450 North. He said the trailer and flashing signs appear to slow traffic, and the data will help guide future enforcement and traffic-calming decisions.
- The chief also explained the new state law on electric motorcycles/e-dirt bikes, which takes effect May 6 if signed by the governor. The council asked for newsletter language to educate residents, and staff noted the city may still adopt stricter local rules for sidewalks and trails.
- The council approved the cooperative wildfire agreement with the state, reducing Hyde Park’s contribution to $191, and gave advice and consent to hire Jones Simpkins LLC as the city’s new auditor. Both items passed unanimously.
- Council members discussed future staffing needs for the police department, noting that growth may require additional officers and that grant funding is being pursued. The mayor also said Wolfpack Way extension is preparing to go out to bid this spring, and the meeting adjourned after no further business.
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