Nibley City Council- 07/31/25

- The council approved the July 10 minutes and the night’s agenda, then heard a public comment about speeding on Hollow Road and said they would follow up with law enforcement on enforcement and other traffic-calming options. - Planning Commission reported approval of the preliminary plat for the Fields at Nibley subdivision, contingent on rezoning and a development agreement; the commission also continued work on a parking ordinance update to align with new state code. - Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee reported on multiple topics, including park safety, motorized vehicles in parks, dogs and dog waste, indoor recreation planning, and a proposed process for reviewing developer-dedicated parkland so it better aligns with master plans. - The council held a public hearing on rezoning the Fields at Nibley property from R2 to R2A. Staff said the proposal fits the general plan and surrounding zoning, includes open space, and would allow an open-space subdivision with smaller lots and lower density than standard gross-acreage calculations. - Dozens of residents spoke against the rezoning, citing concerns about overly small lots, loss of rural character, traffic and school congestion, water demand, drainage, fire safety, and the impact on neighbors’ privacy and views. Several asked the council to keep the zoning at R2 or reduce density. - Staff responded to questions about stormwater, groundwater, and utilities, explaining that the subdivision would be required to manage runoff, use drainage improvements, and dedicate water rights; they also said the city’s water system and planned well capacity should support the development. - The council approved the rezoning on first reading, with some members asking staff to explore larger side setbacks, better documentation of water use, and clearer information about stormwater flow and open-space benefits before second reading. - The council then considered a development agreement for the same project, which would dedicate 6.41 acres of open space for agricultural use and Morgan Farm, require fencing, water shares, street trees, a trail, and runoff controls, and allow the open space to be treated as agricultural for animal-use purposes. - Council members debated whether the donated structures on the open-space parcel should be brought up to code and usable before acceptance. The development agreement was approved on first reading, with staff asked to return with more detail on building deficiencies, parking, irrigation, and trail/crosswalk design. - The council approved a resolution authorizing a $3.5 million drinking-water bond at 2.5% for a new well, hearing that impact fees and water revenues are expected to cover repayment and that the city has no current water-system debt. Public comments focused on aquifer health, conservation, and whether development is paying its fair share. - The council also approved: a state-required ordinance process for classifying new/unlisted business uses, a change to flag-lot rules to allow them on arterial roads if other code standards are met, a boundary adjustment/annexation-related ordinance, and acceptance of an annexation petition for a smaller parcel south of Nibley Farms. - For the Blacksmith Fork River Trail agreement with UDOT, the council approved maintenance participation but directed the mayor not to sign until the trail design includes a signalized crosswalk on the west side of Highway 165 across 2600 South, so Nibley residents can access the trail more safely. - In council/staff reports, members raised concerns about a dangerous intersection at 2600 South and 1200 West, requested future discussion of dogs on leashes in park/nature areas, noted upcoming crossing-guard coordination before school starts, and discussed possible changes to waste-hauling/rolloff rules under the city’s contract.