Development News for Riverdale, Utah

City Council Approves Contract Adjustments for City Administrator/Attorney Role

The city council discussed the contract and compensation for the City Administrator/City Attorney position. Steve Brooks, currently holding both roles, requested a contract revision to address his compensation and the dual nature of his position. He proposed a salary of \$50,000 for the City Administrator role, a \$600 monthly vehicle allowance, and a one-time \$10,000 catch-up payment for the four years without raises. He also requested the removal of the clause allowing a return to the City Attorney role and for the contract to have a four-year term with renewal options. Council members debated the policy on additional compensation for dual roles and compared Riverdale's compensation to other cities. Ultimately, a motion passed to raise the City Administrator compensation to \$50,000, increase the car allowance to \$600, include a one-time \$10,000 catch-up payment, apply the federal COLA to both amounts starting in fiscal year 2028, remove the clause allowing a return to the City Attorney role, and establish a four-year term with renewal options. The council indicated they would rely on contracted legal help for specialized needs.

Council Tables Decision on New 'Bar Use' Classification Amidst Concerns

The council discussed and ultimately tabled a proposal to classify a 'bar use' as a new and unlisted business. Dr. Nesbitt presented a proposal for a venue in the former Ruby River steakhouse facility, which he intends to be an 'adult entertainment venue' with a dance floor, stage, food, pool tables, and mechanical bulls, while also serving alcohol. He emphasized it's not a traditional bar but a 'venue' for adults. The city staff determined that due to the service of alcohol and the ability to 'walk around' with a drink, state law classifies this as a 'bar use,' which is not currently permitted. The council debated the implications of allowing a 'bar use,' considering it could be permitted or conditionally permitted in the C3 zone. Concerns were raised about unintended consequences, the potential for a bar to change hands to less desirable operators, and the impact on nearby residential areas. Chief of Police Casey expressed opposition to having many bars in the city and recommended a conditional use approach with strict limitations. The council decided to table the item to develop specific conditions and ordinance language for conditional bar uses, focusing on limitations such as one per 9,000 residents, capacity limits, security requirements, and the police chief's ability to suspend licenses.

Development Review Committee Discusses Townhomes, Restaurant Remodel, and Car Dealership

The Development Review Committee (DRC) reviewed three projects: the Hilston townhomes, the Dave's Hot Chicken remodel, and the CarMax proposal. For the Hilston townhomes, the committee discussed fencing to separate parking from residential areas, addressing elevation changes, ensuring space for fire equipment, and minimizing the visibility of HVAC units. They recommended angling parking stalls for better traffic flow. For amenities, the proposal includes paths and themed play areas blending with the natural wooded setting. There was also a suggestion to connect existing trails to a nearby development for community benefit. For Dave's Hot Chicken, a remodel of an existing building was discussed, with the DRC requesting final graphics for the exterior paint, which is intended to incorporate local elements. For CarMax, the DRC reviewed a proposed site plan focusing on the expansion and detention area. The building's styling is consistent with corporate identity. A walled-off backside of the dealership was noted, and the road design accommodates vehicle offloading. Landscaping for the expansion and detention area was a key discussion point, emphasizing water-wise practices and maintainability.

Stringtown Master Plan Advances with Financing Discussions, Council Expresses Caution

The council discussed the Stringtown master planning process and financing tools. Chris Hup of Silus presented the progress on the master plan, including a maximum density study and a conceptual site plan with 1,366 units, 456,000 sq ft of non-residential space, and an extensive open space network. Transportation mobility, including multiple river crossings and pedestrian bridges, was discussed. Two branding options were presented: 'Flight Line District' and 'High Water.' Benj Becker from Piper Sandler discussed financing tools, including grants, legislative programs, Public Infrastructure Districts (PIDs), Infrastructure Financing Districts (IFDs), special assessment areas, tax increment financing (TIF), and general obligation bonds. Council members expressed concerns about the pace of the project, the risks associated with bonding and state financing programs like SHIP, and the potential cost of infrastructure like bridges. Several council members indicated a lack of appetite for bonding or city-backed financial liabilities, preferring grants. The council requested further discussion on the concept plan and financing tools in a future meeting, aiming to identify which financing tools are off the table.