The Bountiful City Council held a city council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28. The Bountiful Forum attended and took notes. Here is our summary of the meeting:
Work Session
At Tuesday evening’s Bountiful City Council meeting, the council held a half-hour work session focused on upcoming plans for the reconstruction of I-15 and the potential impacts to the three interchanges that connect to Bountiful: 400 North, 500 South, and 2600 South.
City Engineer Lloyd Cheney presented an overview of the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) expansion project, which will include rebuilding portions of I-15 and reconfiguring the interchanges. UDOT has asked for input from Bountiful and neighboring cities on landscaping and design elements at each of the connection points.
UDOT is offering design options for cities to consider. Each option includes varying levels of landscaping, design features, and maintenance requirements. The agency will fund only the basic elements of the project, contributing up to $100,000 per interchange, while any “betterments” or aesthetic upgrades would need to be paid for and maintained by the cities themselves.
Cheney explained that UDOT does not have a preference for how the interchanges are styled and will proceed with a standard design if cities choose not to add enhancements. However, questions remain about how costs should be shared among the municipalities that share certain interchanges, such as the 500 South exit, which serves West Bountiful, Woods Cross, and Bountiful.
Cheney raised concerns about the long-term cost of maintaining enhanced landscaping or artistic elements, emphasizing the need to consider future expenses.
The discussion was preliminary, with no official decisions made Tuesday night. But a common consensus on the council was a preference for low cost, low maintenance options that still look good. These options could include using basic building elements of cement and native grass seeding along the interchanges, while being augmented with artistic elements like murals, plaques, or monuments.
Cheney said the next step will be continued coordination with West Bountiful and Woods Cross as each city determines its preferences for the shared interchanges. He said he will keep the council updated.
City Council Meeting
During the public comment portion of Tuesday’s Bountiful City Council meeting, resident Gary Davis shared feedback on the proposed design options for the I-15 interchange improvements. Davis said that one of the options appeared to include landscaping only in a narrow area next to the interchange and noted that there were no design elements on the east side of the road or near the onramps.
Davis also commented on the city’s approval of a new bookstore planned for the corner of 500 South and 100 East. He suggested that a bookstore with a coffee shop would be a welcome addition to the community.
Resident Eileen West also spoke during public comment, expressing appreciation for the city council and mayor. She said she was impressed by the respect council members show one another during meetings and expressed gratitude for Kate Bradshaw, adding that she enjoyed getting to know her better through a Hinckley Report television program.
Council Reports
Richard Higginson reported that the committee reviewing the city’s General Plan has completed its work and the updated document will soon come before the city council for consideration.
Matt Murri noted that he will share updates later regarding the city’s mosquito abatement discussions but had no other comments at the time.
Cecilee Price-Huish highlighted recent community events, including the Bountiful City Youth Council’s successful pumpkin patch fundraiser and the “Trick or Treat” event hosted by Main Street merchants. She said the Power Commission held a well-attended meeting and is preparing to discuss how to maintain the city’s power system in good working order.
Price-Huish also noted that Bountiful, as a member of the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), will soon be required to participate in a new energy planning initiative. The program will involve “day-ahead resource planning” and will likely require significant preparation. A joint meeting between the City Council and the Power Commission is planned for November to discuss the change.
Mayor Kendalyn Harris reported on recent discussions at the Council of Governments (COG) meeting, which included updates on the state’s “Code Blue” policy requiring designated emergency shelter beds for unsheltered residents during extreme cold. In Davis County, those beds will be located at the former Talia Event Center in Clearfield. The mayor noted that volunteer sign-ups are available online to help staff the shelter. You can sign up here.
Harris also highlighted Davis Links, an online resource that connects residents with local services related to food, shelter, mental health, and human needs.
Beth Child reported no new items.
Kate Bradshaw, in her role on the Bountiful Davis Art Center board, added that the board recently completed work on its strategic plan and will share it publicly once finalized. She reminded residents of two upcoming community events: the Winter Art Market, opening November 21, and the annual Gingerbread Festival in early December.
Council Actions
The council voted to amend city ordinance text to allow a bookstore to open at the corner of 500 South and 100 East.
The council also approved a site plan modification for a building located at 358 West 500 South.
Several purchases exceeding $1,000 were approved, including:
- A truck for the Water Department — $79,664
- A truck for the Power Commission — $72,755
- An SUV for the Power Commission— $43,234
- Power poles for the Power Commission— $55,192
- An electrical transformer for the Power Commission — $20,000
In addition, the council approved the Power Commission’s engagement in a utility-grade solar project and voted to continue participation in the Intermountain Power Superintendents Association Mutual Agreement.
The council heard information about a proposed tax increase in the county for the Mosquito Abatement District. The county plans to raise its tax rate from 0.0093 to 0.017, an adjustment that would add roughly $8 annually to the average property tax bill, according to City Attorney Bradley Jeppsen.
Resident Ron Mortensen gave a public comment in favor of the increase, saying his experience living overseas has shown him that “the most dangerous animal in the world is the mosquito.” He emphasized that mosquito abatement “is not a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” given the diseases mosquitoes can spread.
Council member Murri noted that Davis County has had cases of West Nile this year, underscoring the ongoing public health risk. He also pointed out that recent growth toward the Great Salt Lake has expanded the area requiring mosquito abatement services.
The council made no formal action on the tax increase, but expressed general support for the it.
Finally, the council adopted an ordinance codifying the city’s event application process.
