Nibley City Council- 01/08/26

- The council swore in Mayor Larry Jacobson and new council members Nick and Randy Smalling, then approved the December 8 and December 11 minutes and the night’s agenda. - Planning staff reported on the Planning Commission meeting, including Utah State University student work on the town center and a review of fee-in-lieu open space requirements that likely will not require code changes. - The council approved Resolution 2601, appointing planning commission members and leadership changes; Troy Rabaul was moved to a regular planning commissioner role, with Claire Shane as vice chair. - The city’s independent audit for FY 2024-25 was presented and accepted. The auditor gave Nibley a clean, unmodified opinion, reported no findings or noncompliance, and praised staff for a smooth audit process. - Council members reviewed proposed fee schedule changes, including utility stop-payment fees, parking ticket payment incentives, dog licensing adjustments tied to software costs, snow-removal enforcement fees, and fee-in-lieu open space guidance. The item was approved on first reading, with staff asked to bring back an asphalt-cut fee addition. - The active transportation plan amendment for the Scott Farm area was approved on first reading. Council debated whether to keep or move a planned trail alignment; staff recommended keeping the trail alignment but moving the neighborhood byway, while the applicant argued the southward realignment improves connectivity and privacy. - A public hearing was held on the general plan update, and residents generally supported the effort while raising questions about preserving larger lots, agricultural character, and private property rights. The council took first reading on the plan but signaled it wants substantial discussion and possible edits before final adoption. - The council and staff spent significant time on Resolution 2537 about 1200 West traffic calming devices. After hearing from Cash County Fire leadership, who supported lower-profile, more closely spaced curb islands for emergency access, the council approved moving forward with modifications and discussed adding rumble strips and other safety features. - Public comments and council discussion repeatedly emphasized transparency, active involvement, and the need for residents to stay informed through Utah public notice subscriptions, Saturday morning informal chats, and future open houses. The mayor also encouraged more citizen engagement on planning and transportation decisions.