City Council 7.09.25

- The council approved the agenda as amended, removing the Hyde Park City Trails discussion, and approved the previous meeting minutes by a 5-0 vote on both items. - During resident input, a resident thanked the city for quickly contacting the construction company after a trench hazard was reported, saying the response likely prevented an injury or death. The resident also noted the sewer/water work near the sycamore tree was nearly complete. - The police chief reported 141 total calls last week, 32 in Hyde Park, and said he wants future reports to focus more on resource-intensive calls like accidents, domestic violence, thefts, drug cases, and DUIs. Council members praised the department’s handling of a domestic dispute and emphasized the danger of those calls. - Council discussed fireworks safety ahead of the holiday season, with members raising concerns about injuries and illegal use. The chief said the city already has fireworks restrictions in code, and officers responded to eight firework-related calls this year, mostly tied to timing and state rules. - The chief also reported that the chronic wasting disease sampling program is moving forward with DWR approval and training, with a target start date of August 1. The city is preparing equipment and working from a list of interested participants. - Marcus presented the biannual moderate income housing report, explaining that the city is meeting state requirements mainly through rezoning strategies and is on track for compliance. Staff will continue working on possible new strategies after the report is submitted to the state and planning commission. - Staff identified and corrected an old wastewater billing code that had been giving discounts to a small number of low-usage accounts. Affected residents were notified, and the city clarified that sewer rates themselves have not increased. - The council reviewed plans for the RAPS-funded park improvements, including ADA-friendly surfacing, benches, picnic tables, trash cans, swings, and playground colors. Members gave feedback on durability, maintenance, matching styles, and keeping the park’s look cohesive, and staff will refine the final product selections. - The council discussed new signage for parks and pavilions, including wording and sizing for “Welcome to Hyde Park City” and a new pavilion sign for Lower Lions Park funded by a resident donor. Members also talked about keeping sign designs consistent with the city’s existing style. - The council held a public hearing and unanimously approved Resolution 2025-11, authorizing Centerline Engineering to apply for COG funding for the Wolfpack Way continuation project. Staff outlined phased road construction, funding matches, right-of-way acquisition, and future coordination with county and nearby cities.