Hyde Park City Council Meeting 6.24.20269

- Residents urged the council to consider a citywide fireworks ban or much stronger restrictions this year because of extreme drought and wildfire risk, citing a near-miss fire in Greystone in 2024 and repeated illegal fireworks use above the city’s current restriction line. The police chief said enforcement would be proactive this year, with overtime patrols and citations for violations. - The council discussed sending an early public message through city channels warning that fireworks remain prohibited above Northeast/4th East and that officers will ticket violators. Members also considered whether to pursue a formal citywide ban before the holiday, with staff noting it would require proper agenda notice and likely a resolution. - Several young residents advocated for a skate park in Hyde Park, describing it as a safe, healthy place that builds community and gives kids without transportation a local recreation option. The council was receptive and noted the skate park idea could be included in the active transportation and parks/trails master planning process. - The city’s upcoming celebration was reviewed in detail, including moving the old-timer social to Friday evening, shifting the barbecue contest to Saturday, and relocating vendors/booths into the city right-of-way because the church will not allow selling on church property. The bike race and fireman’s hose event were cancelled this year, while a live band, parade, races, games, and patriotic programming will still be held. - The council approved an ordinance providing compensation increases for three specific city officers, based on the city’s wage study and cost-of-living/performance review process. The mayor and council declined raises for themselves, noting the money was redirected to staff compensation. - A year-end budget amendment for fiscal year 2026 was approved, reflecting higher-than-expected building permit revenue and other adjustments. Staff also noted that about $1.342 million will be transferred into capital projects, largely because some planned equipment purchases were delayed. - The council approved a rezone of a city-owned parcel from R-2 to commercial as part of the Wolfpack Way/Hart Properties land arrangement. Staff explained the rezone had already been unanimously recommended by the planning commission, and the change helps avoid creating unusable leftover land. - A lengthy discussion focused on water rates and whether the city should commission a formal engineering cost-of-service study. Council members leaned toward hiring Sunrise Engineering for a more detailed study, especially to better address long-term infrastructure replacement, multifamily rates, and conservation planning. - The council also reviewed a potential MOU with “Slow the Flow” to help with water conservation messaging, public education, and drafting a conservation plan. Staff said the group could support outreach and planning at relatively low cost, and the council appeared supportive. - In other business, the council discussed a possible policy for flashing speed-limit signs and whether private donations should be allowed to fund them. Members raised equity concerns about neighborhood-by-neighborhood donations, and staff agreed the city should likely direct sign placement based on traffic needs rather than who can pay.