Logan council adopts $196 million budget; agency approves up to $1.4 million for Costco-area roads

Decisions at a glance

Agenda, item by item

1. Item 1 · City code

   Big-box and bank uses in industrial zone, Ordinance 21-12

   Approved · 5-0

   The council adopted a code change making banks, general sales and service, and big-box stores over 100,000 square feet conditional uses in the Industrial zone. The Planning Commission tied 2-2. Tony Nielson, who owns property near 1305 and 1325 North, raised traffic and business concerns and Dee Jones agreed. Simmonds said the RDA request came from the Blue Spring park applicant rather than Costco; Amy Anderson understood the traffic concerns; Jensen asked for more traffic information; López said the benefits outweighed the risks.

   Moved by Council Member Amy Anderson, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

   Follow Big-box and bank uses in the industrial zone in the development tracker →

2. Item 2 · Budget

   Fiscal 2020-21 budget adjustment, Resolution 21-32

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved $11,000 for Logan River Golf Course part-time wages and card fees and a $5,000 school district grant for the after-school program. Gail Yost stressed safe places for children.

   • Budget$11,000 Golf course part-time wages and card fees
   • Grant$5,000 to Logan City School District After-school program at Bridger Elementary. Paid from School district grant

   Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Tom Jensen. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

3. Item 3 · Budget

   Police overtime reimbursement, Resolution 21-33

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved appropriating $12,129 in police overtime reimbursements.

   • Budget$12,129 Police overtime reimbursements

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

4. Item 4 · Contract

   Telecommunications franchise with First Digital Telecom, Resolution 21-29

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved a franchise agreement with fiber carrier First Digital Telecom, LLC, amended to cover work begun before the franchise. Liability for accidents involving handholds falls on the company under the indemnification terms. No one spoke.

   Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Tom Jensen. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

5. Item 5 · Budget

   Utah Retirement Systems member contributions, Resolution 21-30

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved continuing city payment of tier-one employee contributions.

   Moved by Council Member Amy Anderson, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

6. Item 6 · Budget

   Elected official wages for fiscal 2021-22, Resolution 21-31

   Approved · 4-0-1

   The council approved a 3 percent increase for the mayor and council to match city employees. Council pay is currently $15,000. Council Member Amy Anderson abstained; the minutes give no reason.

   Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 4-0 with Council Member Amy Anderson abstaining; the minutes give no reason

7. Item 7 · Budget

   Budget transfers hearing for fiscal 2021

   Discussed

   Finance Director Richard Anderson explained transfers from enterprise funds to the general fund and administrative fees for central services; eliminating them would cost about $5.9 million. The garbage can fee funds 911 and radio equipment. Gail Yost asked whether any transfers involve the library fund and John Shivik asked about flat fees. No action was taken.

8. Item 8 · Taxes and fees

   Certified property tax rate, Resolution 21-34

   Approved · 5-0

   The council approved the certified rate of 0.001290, described as not a tax increase.

   Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

9. Item 9 · Budget

   Fiscal 2021-22 budget, Resolution 21-35

   Approved · 5-0

   The council adopted a $196,329,748 budget. Expenditures are 18.2 percent above the prior year, or 9 percent excluding one-time items, with salaries of $45.9 million, about half the general fund.

   • Budget$196.3 million Fiscal 2021-22 city budget

   Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Tom Jensen. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

10. Item W1 · Contract

    Workshop: USU lease for Logan City substation, Resolution 21-38

    Discussed · North of 1200 East, near the gravel pit area

    Light and Power Director Mark Montgomery described a lease of up to 40 years with a 10-year option on USU land just north of 1200 East for a substation. Equipment is already ordered. A budget adjustment of $309,474 (Resolution 21-39) would capitalize the lease.

    • Land deal$309,474 to Utah State University 40-year substation land lease, capitalized

11. Item R1 · Budget

    RDA budget for fiscal 2021-22, Resolution 21-36 RDA

    Approved · 5-0

    Acting as the Redevelopment Agency, the council approved a $3,230,000 budget.

    • Budget$3.23 million Redevelopment Agency fiscal 2021-22 budget

    Moved by Council Member Jeannie Simmonds, seconded by Council Member Amy Anderson. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

12. Item R2 · Development

    RDA assistance to Blue Springs Business Park, LLC for Costco site roads, Resolution 21-37 RDA

    Approved · 5-0 · 1000 West between 1000 North and 1200 North

    The agency approved reimbursing up to $1,400,000 for street and utility improvements (1200 North from 1000 West to 800 West, 1000 North and the 800 West extension) for a business park with a Costco warehouse of about 165,000 square feet and fuel station on about 23 acres on 1000 West between 1000 North and 1200 North. The agency would also cover impact and water rights fees; Housley estimated impact fees at $800,000 or more. Speakers Tony Nielson and Frank Stewart raised traffic and student safety; Lisa Wilson supported Costco but worried about RDA fund use; Jason Larsen, a partner in the business park, said the park is the applicant and is dedicating about 6 acres for right-of-way; Keegan Garrity said RDA funds should align with long-term vision. Amy Anderson said the funds are for public infrastructure.

    • Payment$1.40 million to Blue Springs Business Park, LLC Reimbursement for street and utility improvements; plus impact and water rights fees. Paid from RDA funds
    • Acres: about 23
    • Applicant: Blue Springs Business Park, LLC

    Moved by Council Member Tom Jensen, seconded by Council Member Ernesto López. Vote: 5-0; the minutes say the motion carried unanimously, counted here as the 5 council members present

    Follow Blue Springs Business Park in the development tracker →

What residents said

Traffic near 1200 North and Cache High SchoolUse of RDA funds for a big-box storeImpact on local businesses

Tony Nielson, Dee Jones, Frank Stewart, Lisa Wilson, Jason Larsen, Keegan Garrity, Gail Yost and John Shivik spoke on various items; main concerns were traffic and use of RDA money.