Nibley City Council- 6/12/25

- The council held a budget workshop and generally supported the proposed FY26 budget, with a first-reading approval after amendments. Council asked staff to remove the asset management software cost and the election expense, and staff will bring back a revised version for second reading and public hearing. - A major budget issue was the property tax rate. Staff explained that the city must decide soon whether to accept the certified tax rate or pursue truth-in-taxation, and the council agreed to schedule a special meeting before the June 21 deadline to adopt the certified rate if desired. - Staff highlighted the city’s overall financial picture, including a $3.5 million loan at 2.5% interest for the new water source, significant grant funding in recent years, and a continued effort to make revenue and expense estimates more accurate. - The council discussed employee compensation, including a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and potential merit increases, as well as salary adjustments tied to a prior compensation study. The compensation ordinance for elected and statutory officials also passed first reading. - The 1200 West traffic-calming discussion focused on phase 5 design details, including sight-distance checks, mountable curb placement, and whether any changes to the curb islands or wall would be worth the cost. Staff estimated that changing the bulb-outs could cost roughly $25,000–$30,000 per intersection, and the council opted to keep studying the issue rather than make changes immediately. - Public comments on 1200 West emphasized the need for council members to verify facts on the ground rather than rely on assumptions, especially regarding business uses, noise, and rat concerns. Residents also urged the city to look carefully at existing conditions before voting on traffic and zoning matters. - The council continued a zoning case for a parcel at 1500 West and 2600 South after the proponent asked to hold off on the commercial rezone. The property was ultimately rezoned to agriculture instead, with the understanding that a future rezone could be submitted later if plans change. - Another zoning case for parcels near Nibely Park Avenue and Heritage Drive, seeking a change from commercial to industrial, was approved on first reading. The proponents argued industrial zoning would better fit existing machine-shop uses and future business opportunities, while staff and planning commission recommended denial because the area is surrounded by residential and commercial uses. - The council also advanced an ordinance change on parking in park strips, with debate centered on whether undeveloped park strips should remain available for parking. The amended ordinance passed, and staff noted that code enforcement has already changed behavior significantly where the rule has been enforced. - Staff gave updates on several ongoing projects, including the general plan open house, Ridgeline/City Center Park coordination, stormwater and water master plans, and a meeting about the Firefly Park biological assessment. The council also discussed a possible snake barrier at Firefly Park, but staff said mowing remains the main practical mitigation.