Mayor Brent Taylor said, “We were selected for a major federal grant in construction of a community pond. We asked for 4.5million and we think the entire amount is going to be approved. Councilman Jim Urry said he wanted to know what strings are attached with the grant. They tabled this item till next week for further discussion.
Mayor Taylor gave an update on the Barker Park Community Amphitheater site plan. “After working with the developer, the building is larger, the concessions, ticketing, and bathrooms are in a separate building, a new parking lot will be built and also it will cost more to build a stable platform on unstable soil.” He said true cost is higher than was projected and the budget is now 4.3 million. “Phase 1 will be starting [in November] by breaking ground.”
Amendments were made to the Multi-use Development Agreement and residents voiced their concerns during the public hearing. Concerns included keeping the Multi-use development high quality after residents move in, the effect on schools, the change in the demographic of the city, the traffic on 1700, parking, the pet park, and water drainage.
Keeping the Multi-use development high quality after residents move in
After a public hearing, and much discussion, John Call, the City Attorney, added language to the Development Agreement. “The developer shall establish a homeowners association or other entity to maintain ownership of all common areas and collect dues for the maintenance of landscaping, extra building treatment, private streets, parking, snow removal underground utilities, sidewalks, plazas and any other similar improvements. Mr. Barrett, who is one of the developers said “There will be a common area maintenance charge for the commercial area too.
Mr. Barrett said, “The whole intent is to hold the integrity of the development. If people don’t upkeep their dwellings, fines will be extolled on them. Each segment of the development will have deed restrictions, CC&Rs that are managed by a HOA. The deed restrictions and CC&Rs will have to be approved by the city council. Councilwoman Stoker said “I think our best bet is to get the teeth into the agreement. The townhomes in North Ogden that are clustered together, they have a HOA and it’s not working.”
The effect on schools
Shelley Burke works for the school district but she was representing herself as a resident. She said “I work in many of the schools in the area. I have seen the impact that these multi-use developments have on our schools. Majestic Elementary had just under 600 students when it opened. When the new apartments went in the student body went up to 1000 students. Green acres is close to capacity 500 students built to accommodate 600 students.” She estimates that 300+ students will come from the new development. Mayor Brent Taylor said, “the state tells us to build new capacity with the increased tax base.”
The demographic
Satterthwaite said he has heard concerns about these types of developments attracting sex offenders. Prior to the meeting, Satterthwaite looked on the registry on the state of Utah and searched a five-mile radius for sex offenders around his home and around The Cove. He said there are more around his home. In the public hearing, Jill Smith said she just moved out of North Ogden to Harrisville. “I needed to downsize and I want back in to North Ogden… This place is attracting people like me.” Susannah Burt said moving in and out decreases bonding to a community. “With a decrease of bonding there is an increase of vandalism and theft.” She said this affects more than just those living in the town homes and apartments.
Traffic on 1700
Colton Spencer said he is concerned with traffic and speeding in the mornings and evenings on 1700. Christina Watson suggested to put more stop signs on 1700 to prevent speeding and thoroughfare to the highway. She also suggested that red curbs on the pet park side of the road will make crossing the street safer. Mayor Taylor said, “All traffic signs and signals are determined by a rigid federal manual we follow. That is what will determine where stop signs go. Painting curbs will definitely happen at some points for the crossing of 1700.” Other residents expressed their concern with children crossing the busy street in the morning on their way to school. Mayor Taylor said “I can pretty much guarantee a crossing guard.”
Parking
Sarah Fawson asked if there will be communal parking spaces. Rosie Alexander said there will be a lot of people in a small space with not a lot of parking. “How are you going to keep people from parking in the neighborhoods.” Mayor Taylor said the parking in the commercial area of the development is not included in the number of parking spaces for residents.
Pet park
Brent Gill was wondering who is going to pick up the dog crap in the pet park. Who is the person in charge of the person who picks up the dog crap. I’m retired. If they don’t do their job, I’ll go get the dog crap and give it to their boss.” Josh Robinson wondered where the water will go if the current retention pond will be made into a pet park. Mayor Taylor said, “The pet park is a detention basin. It will serve a dual purpose.” He also said, “The people who use the pet park by and large take care of it.” He also said a fence will be built around it.
Water drainage
Karla Ahlmer expressed concerns about draining water. “There is already standing water in my backyard. Where is the water going once these buildings are in?” Mayor Taylor said water drainage plans are reviewed by the city engineer. “None of the water from this project will be put into the existing canal. The developer needs to put in the work to make it happen.”
Mayor Taylor said, “All cities are required to have moderate income housing in their general plan. We are meeting the requirements of the state. Cities do not exclude people based off their income. This project produces over $4 million in impact fees. We are not sacrificing an area of the city for tax base.” Mr. Barrett said, “We do our best to fill a need. We think it’s the right community and the right time.”